With the current scenario, I think the Rafale F4 is the best choice. The benefits of it being that we won't have to worry about getting another type in our arsenal, and the fact that F4 is a very potent 4.5 gen fighter with enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
My problem with all this is that by the time India actually inducts all these 4.5 gen fighters in our forces, won't it be too late to field these jets? And our Sukhois will be getting older as well.
By the time the entire world is going for the development of 5th and 6th gen fighters we are looking for and developing only 4.5 gen fighters. Our AMCA program realistically speaking will come to fruition maybe in next 10 to 15 years. So, shouldn't we go for something like Su57 Felon? We were co developing that jet at one point. It's also cheaper than f35 and will be easier to induct in our forces as we're well versed in maintaining and flying these Russian machines. Plus the Su57s will hold the fort and keeps us relevant in the modern times until the AMCA actually shows up.
I genuinely think that Su57 should be the only jet we should be persuing but I'd like to know why we aren't or why we shouldn't.
That's the idea. Rafale via MRFA, with LCA and AMCA being our indigenous options. And whether the IAF will actually go for the Su-57 or not is something they are keeping close to their chests. But, as of today, officially, the IAF has only planned for MRFA, LCA and AMCA.
As for why they are not pursuing the Su-57 today, right now it's in development hell and could become a viable option only after 2030. At least, that's the official stance on the jet. Point being, GoI says they will make a decision after the Su-57 is operational in Russia first.
As for why a JV was pursued, the IAF believed the industry was not capable of developing 5th gen yet at the time, 2007-10. So a joint development would have brought in technology and expertise via a 50-50 sharing of R&D. But what really happened was HAL could only accomplish 15% of the R&D work. It's unclear in what way DRDO was expected to participate. Once DRDO claimed all the technologies of FGFA can be developed inhouse, the GoI decided FGFA was not worth pursuing anymore, especially with the shoddy 15% R&D workshare. Unlike with Tejas, this time DRDO proved themselves, so the IAF is now completely backing their effort.
Political reasons would have contributed most to the abeyance of the program. We must have received a lot of indirect benefits from the West for that, notwithstanding the fact that the Russians failed to bring their A-game in negotiations, especially after they shafted us in the Brahmos program. I'd say the number 1 reason for its cancellation was the fallout from the invasion of Crimea, followed by Russian apathy in negotiations.
Another factor playing a part here is the IAF claims 5th gen is not ready for combat yet, at least what's available to them. Makes sense too, 'cause it appears the only real operational 5th gen jets today are the F-22 and J-20.
