“No Formal Talks: India’s Defence Secretary on F‑35A and Su‑57E – A Clear Pivot to Indigenous AMCA”

New Delhi Rejects Speculation of Stealth Fighter Talks
On June 21, 2025, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh set the record straight regarding India’s interest in fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. Appearing on a podcast, he said, “On F‑35A and Sukhoi Su‑57E, whatever has been discussed has been informal. We don’t have any formal consultation going on on these.” This statement dispels rumours circulating in recent days that India was in serious negotiations for either the US‑made F‑35A or the Russian Su‑57E (m.economictimes.com).

Strategic Shift Towards Self‑Reliance
Instead of pursuing foreign stealth jets, India is focusing on developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). With a projected timeline of roughly eight years to first flight and production, this initiative seeks to bolster indigenous capabilities and industrial participation. Singh highlighted that the AMCA programme is now open to both public and private sector firms, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under a competitive execution model (m.economictimes.com).

Procurement Reforms and Growing Export Voice
In the same podcast, Singh outlined broader defence reforms. He noted that procurement timelines are being accelerated—from six years down to two. He emphasized that funding isn't an issue; rather, red tape is. Additionally, India’s defence exports have surged to ₹23,000 crore, underscoring growing confidence in the domestic defence manufacturing industry (economictimes.indiatimes.com).

Russia’s Su‑57E Offer in Context
Earlier this year, Russia officially offered the Su‑57E for joint production in India, promising full technology transfers, local assembly, and source-code access (reuters.com). However, reports suggest New Delhi may condition any future deal on integrating Indian-made AESA radars and mission systems—insisting on GaN-based Uttam and Virupaksha radars rather than Russia’s GaAs-powered Byelka (defencesecurityasia.com). These demands reflect New Delhi's push for technological sovereignty and seamless integration with existing fleets.

F-35A: Geopolitics vs. Pragmatism
The US has also quietly signalled potential interest in selling F‑35As to India. Still, Singh’s statement confirms no binding or formal steps in that direction—reinforcing New Delhi’s cautious stance and prior reliance on French Rafales, American logistics, and evolving Make‑in‑India priorities (medial.app).

What This All Means

The Road Ahead

1. AMCA Development

   • First flight targeted around 2033.

   • Open competition may invite private firms like Adani or Tata alongside HAL.

2. MRFA Competition

   • As India progresses with AMCA, it is still expected to fill fleet gaps under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme—likely involving Rafales, F‑21, Super Hornets, Gripens, and possibly Su‑57E or F‑35A in the long run (x.com, medial.app, en.wikipedia.org).

3. Supplier Strategy

   • India’s insistence on source-code and sensor control may limit choices. Russia appears willing to comply; the U.S. is less flexible on tech transfer.

Defence Secretary Singh’s clear stance underscores a multi-pronged approach: no external shortcuts to fifth-gen capabilities, deeper defence industrialization, and procurement reform. India is charting a path balancing strategic autonomy with global partnerships—eyeing stealth but on its own terms.