India may face a gap of up to eight years with Pakistan in 5th generation fighters. According to IDRW, the situation depends not so much on the comparative characteristics of the Su-57 and AMCA, but on whether China supplies Pakistan with the J-35.
According to IDRW, the AMCA is unlikely to enter combat use before the mid-2030s, and the first prototype is planned to take to the air no earlier than 2029. If Pakistan receives the J-35 in 2030, the gap with India in 5th generation fighters could be five years. If China accelerates deliveries to 2027, this gap will increase to eight years.
The Indian Air Force currently has 29 squadrons instead of the approved 42.5. The head of the Indian Air Force states that available resources are only enough for 36–40 new jet fighters per year.
China has already suspended deliveries of 16 J-10CE due to Islamabad's inability to pay. At the same time, Pakistan has signed an "initial agreement" for the J-35 — potentially up to 40 aircraft, and pilots are already training in China, although the deal has not been concluded.
Recall that India has been discussing the probable acquisition of Su-57 fighters for more than two years. Russia has already offered India licensed production of the Russian fifth-generation fighter, technology transfer to Indian companies, access to source code, and integration of Indian weaponry. A Russian delegation also visited Nashik to assess production capabilities.
However, the Indian side insists that it first wants to see a detailed report on the cost of such a project.