The 15th edition of Asia’s biggest airshow, Aero India, is taking place at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru. In this event, Indian officials have shown interest in the fifth generation fighter jets to which Russia and the USA have responded well and are ready to sell their 5th-generation fighters.
At present, India doesn’t have a fifth-generation fighter. Rafale and Su-30MKI are the best fighter jets India currently owns, but as technology advances, our country must also gain the latest equipment to ensure impenetrable defence. Russian Su-57 Felon and American F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter were seen in the Aero India 2025 and have been pitched for sale.
Here we will discuss fifth generation fighter jets to help you understand why American and Russian aircraft would be beneficial for the Indian Armed Forces.
Overview Of Fifth Generation Fighter Jets
A 5th gen fighter is armed with the most high-tech weapons of the 21st century. As of 2024, these are the most advanced fighters with characteristics like agile airframes, supercruise capability, advanced avionics and sensor fusion and the most important of them all, stealth. Currently, India doesn’t have a 5th generation fighter but will get one from the USA or Russia.
As mentioned earlier, the Russian Su-57 Felon and American F-35 stealth fighter were captured standing on the same ground during the Aero India 2025 event and are pitched for sale. This deal is still far from being made because jets first need to be suitable for the Indian Armed Forces
Characteristics of Fifth Generation Fighter Jets
Every 5th generation fighter jet is different from others depending on its type, but there are a few characteristics each fighter jet includes.
- Munitions stored internally for stealth
- High manoeuvrability, which often includes short-field capabilities like short take-offs (STOL) and short-field landings (SFL)
- Supercruise: a jet’s ability to fly above the speed of sound without using after burners.
- Advanced avionics, including LPIR (Low-Probability-of-Intercept-Radar)
- Network data fusion for superior situation awareness on battlefields.
- Multirole capabilities, such as battlefield C3 (command, control, and communications)
Available Fifth Generation Fighter Jets
In the previous section, we said there are different fighter jets. You must be asking how many fifth generation fighter jets are there. If so, check out the table given below:
| S. No. | Aircraft Name | Country | Introduction Date |
| 1 | Boeing Saab T-7 Red Hawk (T-X) | USA | 2023, in Development |
| 2 | Chengdu (AVIC) J-20 (Black Eagle) | China | 2017, Active, Limited Service |
| 3 | HESA F-313 Qaher (Conqueror) | Iran | 2013 |
| 4 | Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor | USA | 2005, Active, in Services |
| 5 | Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II | USA | 2016, Active, in Services |
| 6 | Mitsubishi X-2 (ATD-X / Shinshin) | Japan | 2016, Retired |
| 7 | Northrop Grumman T-X (Model 400) | USA | 2017, Cancelled |
| 8 | Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23 ( Black Widow II) | USA | 1990, Cancelled |
| 9 | Stavatti Javelin T-X | USA | 2017, Cancelled |
| 10 | Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon) | Russia | 2019, in Service |
Aero India 2025 is taking place between February 10, 2025, to February 14, 2025. This event, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sparked discussions about improving India’s defences. The event brought an American 5th-gen fighter jet with a Russian 5th-gen fighter jet. This is truly a sight to behold. Both countries are interested in selling their jets to India.
Our country is also developing its own 5th generation fighter jet named HAL AMCA to strengthen India’s defences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Which is better: F-22 or F-35?
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor with MACH 2.2 is the best fighter jet of all time. It’s better than the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, having MACH 1.6. It also offers better manoeuvrability and other features.
2- How many Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon) does Russia have?
Russia has 29 Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets in service and 10 prototypes.
3- When will 6th generation fighter jets appear in the world?
The first 6th generation fighter jet is expected to be introduced in the 2030s.
4- Does Pakistan have fifth-generation fighter jets?
Nol, Pakistan doesn’t possess fifth-generation fighter jets as of now, but is in discussion with China to buy the J-35 Stealth Fighter Jet.
