The ongoing debate surrounding India’s need for a fifth-generation stealth fighter has resurfaced, particularly as tensions with China and Pakistan persist. Russian media outlets have strongly advocated for the Su-57 as the ideal choice for the Indian Air Force (IAF), positioning it against the U.S. F-35 stealth fighter.

India is in the process of developing its own fifth-generation aircraft, known as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), but projections suggest that it will not be operational until the mid-2030s. By that time, China’s military might have integrated as many as 1,000 J-20 Mighty Dragons, while Pakistan may acquire the recently unveiled Chinese J-35A fighters. Currently, only China, Russia, and the United States possess operational fifth-generation stealth technology, making the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 the only viable options for India amid regional rivalries.

There are notable complexities surrounding U.S.-India defense relations. Although Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, showcased its capabilities during Aero India 2023, the U.S. has not clearly indicated a willingness to sell these aircraft to India, largely due to India’s existing military inventory, which heavily includes Russian-origin equipment like the S-400 air defense system. On the other hand, Russia has intensified its marketing efforts for the Su-57, enticing India with lowered costs and commitments for local production—proposals that India has yet to accept despite longstanding defense cooperative ties.

The promotion of the Su-57 in Russian media includes various comparisons with the F-35, with assertions suggesting that the Russian model may hold advantages in speed and maneuverability. The Su-57, with its twin-engine design, can achieve speeds of up to Mach 2, while the F-35, being a single-engine model, has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6. However, the question of whether speed translates into a meaningful combat advantage remains subject to interpretation.

Experts argue that the stealth features of the F-35 are crucial in air combat scenarios and might provide a first-strike capability that outweighs the Su-57’s potential advantages. Concerns have been raised regarding the Su-57’s radar cross-section (RCS)—estimated to be roughly similar to that of conventional fourth-generation aircraft, thus possibly compromising its stealth capabilities in a combat context.

Despite these critiques, advocates for the Su-57 emphasize its agility, bolstered by thrust vectoring technology, allowing for complex aerial maneuvers. Former IAF veteran Air Marshal Anil Chopra acknowledges the aircraft’s potential agility, citing its ability to execute dynamic combat tactics. Additionally, proponents highlight the Su-57’s flexibility in terms of weapons compatibility, claiming it can carry sophisticated munitions, including various air-to-air missiles and precision-guided bombs.

However, defense analysts counter these claims, emphasizing that the F-35’s array of armament options is substantial and, notably, the aircraft’s capability to deploy nuclear weapons distinguishes it in the fifth-generation landscape. Advocates for the F-35 claim that its combat effectiveness is further enhanced by cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced sensor fusion capabilities that furnish the pilot with a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield.

In terms of operational performance, both aircraft are capable of supersonic cruise, although limitations surrounding the F-35’s airframe impose restrictions on the duration for which it can sustain high speeds. The engine technologies differ, with the F-35 employing the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, known for its thrust and fuel efficiency, while the Su-57 continues to utilize engines adapted from older models.

As both the Su-57 and the F-35 vie for recognition as the leading fifth-generation capabilities, their portrayal extends beyond technical specifications. In popular culture, the Su-57’s effectiveness has even been challenged, notably in cinematic portrayals such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” where it was depicted unfavorably against the F-14 Tomcat.

Compounding the situation for the Su-57 is its limited success in global markets, facing challenges due to geopolitical dynamics, sanctions, and production hurdles. In contrast, the F-35 has already seen widespread international adoption, with over 1,000 units operational around the world. As India navigates its path toward modernizing its air capabilities, the decision between these two fifth-generation contenders remains critical in the context of regional security and strategic defense partnerships.

The Pakistan Navy has garnered significant attention recently following comments made by India’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, during a Navy Day press interaction. He highlighted Pakistan’s ambitious goal of expanding its naval fleet to 50 ships over the next decade, a statement that has fueled discussions and speculation about the nature and implications of Pakistan’s ongoing naval modernization efforts.

Pakistan’s strategic enhancements appear to be underscored by a series of acquisitions, including Type 054A/P frigates, Babur-class corvettes, and Hangor-class submarines, positioning the Pakistan Navy for a notable transformation. However, Admiral Tripathi’s critique of prioritizing military investments amid Pakistan’s political and economic crises raises critical questions regarding the underlying rationale for such extensive naval developments.

The backdrop to Pakistan’s naval modernization stems from a history marked by significant anxieties regarding maritime security, particularly in light of India’s expanding influence in the region. The repercussions of Operation Trident in 1971, where Indian missile boats struck Karachi harbor, still resonate within Pakistan’s military strategy. Subsequent confrontations, including India’s naval maneuvers during Operation Talwar in 1999 and Operation Parakram in 2001, alongside the Indian Navy’s show of force with over 60 warships during a crisis in 2019, have consistently emphasized Pakistan’s vulnerabilities in the maritime domain. These events have reinforced the imperative for Pakistan to develop a credible naval deterrent capable of countering Indian dominance.

As the Indian Navy continues to enhance its presence and capabilities, the Pakistan Navy has shifted from a strictly defensive posture to adopting an offensive strategy that seeks to mitigate the asymmetric power dynamics at sea. Recent acquisitions signify this strategic pivot, particularly the commissioning of the Hangor-class submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion systems that amplify their stealth and endurance. Additionally, the successful test of an indigenously produced ship-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) indicates Pakistan’s commitment to solidifying its second-strike nuclear capability at sea, further altering the regional security landscape.

Pakistan’s surface fleet has also seen enhancements with the addition of advanced Type 054A/P frigates and MILGEM-class corvettes, which boast cutting-edge radar systems and multi-role capabilities. These advancements enhance the Navy’s ability to project force and operate effectively in contested waters, while developments in unmanned maritime systems bolster Pakistan’s surveillance and rapid response capacities against perceived threats.

The modernization narrative is further amplified by statements from Pakistan’s naval leadership, including Admiral Naveed Ashraf, who has explicitly criticized India for allegedly destabilizing regional peace and emphasized the need to counteract Indian ambitions in the Indian Ocean Region. Islamabad’s 2022 National Security Policy highlights growing concerns surrounding India’s expanding nuclear capabilities and its implications for regional stability, reflecting a pervasive anxiety within Pakistan’s strategic circles.

Compounding these security concerns is the role of disinformation disseminated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), which often paints India as a persistent threat. This narrative serves to justify Pakistan’s naval buildup while engendering a domestic and international perception of India as a maritime hegemon seeking to undermine regional stability.

China’s increasing involvement is a pivotal component of Pakistan’s naval modernization, positioning it as a primary benefactor and strategic partner. Within the last decade, Beijing has supplied crucial military hardware and technology, including the procurement of Hangor-class submarines and Type 054A/P frigates. These advancements not only enhance the capabilities of the Pakistan Navy but also exemplify a mutual interest in leveraging bilateral exercises to counterbalance India’s rising influence.

While the strategic significance of Gwadar remains salient given its role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an observable restraint on militarization reflects a broader effort by China to maintain a balanced approach toward its regional interests. Nevertheless, the modernization of the Pakistan Navy represents an ongoing strategic challenge for India, compelling the Indian Navy to calculate its resource allocation and operational strategies in light of a more assertive Pakistan-China maritime nexus.

In conclusion, the evolving landscape of maritime power in South Asia signals a critical juncture for regional security dynamics, as Pakistan’s naval modernization efforts, propelled by historical anxieties and practical collaborations, continue to shape the strategic calculations of neighboring India.

Following the recent integration of INS Tushil into the Indian Navy, India’s maritime capabilities are poised for a substantial enhancement with the impending induction of INS Vagsheer, expected to join the fleet in January 2025. This submarine, designed as a hunter-killer vessel under the prestigious Project 75, aims to fortify India’s naval dominance and establish a significant deterrent against regional adversaries, particularly China and Pakistan. The name INS Vagsheer, derived from the deep-sea predator Sand Fish, symbolizes India’s commitment to addressing escalating security threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

As China continues to expand its naval operations, now boasting three operational aircraft carriers, the nation is actively seeking to extend its influence into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In response to these rising challenges, India is simultaneously enhancing its aircraft carrier capabilities while focusing on acquiring advanced submarines designed to neutralize such threats.

INS Vagsheer stands out as the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class under Project 75, and its introduction is anticipated to be a pivotal addition to the Indian Navy. Some key features of INS Vagsheer include:

– Advanced operational capabilities powered by a diesel-electric system.
– A design tailored for stealth and precision in attack scenarios.
– Impressive speed, exceeding 35 km/h underwater and 20 km/h on the surface.
– A versatile arsenal equipped with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and the capability to deploy over 30 mines.
– An integrated anti-torpedo countermeasure system designed to evade any enemy assaults.
– Its suitability for various missions including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and mine-laying operations.
– A compact design measuring 221 feet in length and 40 feet in height, which ensures stealth while maintaining powerful strike capabilities.

The broader context of this development lies within Project 75, established in a 2005 agreement with France’s Naval Group to construct six Scorpene-class submarines at Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. This project not only facilitated a significant transfer of technology but also bolstered domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. The first submarine, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in December 2017, followed by a series of subsequent vessels: Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, and Vagir. With the arrival of Vagsheer, this critical phase of submarine modernization is set to reach completion.

Looking forward, Project 75(I) is on the horizon, earmarked for the construction of six new submarines featuring Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. This innovative advancement will enable submarines to operate submerged for extended periods, significantly enhancing stealth and lethality. Additionally, India has authorized the development of two nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), further reinforcing its naval prowess.

AIP technology will play a crucial role in counteracting China’s growing maritime presence in the Indian Ocean. As India continues to build a formidable submarine fleet and advance its military capabilities, it is securing its status as a blue-water navy, fully equipped to project power on the high seas. The induction of INS Vagsheer, along with other advanced submarines, is expected not only to safeguard India’s strategic interests but also to serve as a robust deterrent against the ambitious aspirations of China and Pakistan in the region.