(lockheedmartin.com)
The F-35 offer from the United States presents both opportunities and risks for India.
With the recent US proposal to supply F-35s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) finds itself at a crossroads, weighing the merits of a high-end fifth-generation platform against the imperatives of indigenous development and strategic autonomy. India’s fighter jet modernisation efforts face a critical juncture as it navigates evolving geopolitical alliances, indigenous development challenges, and competing fifth-generation aircraft offers. The recent proposal by US President Donald Trump to supply F-35 stealth fighters to India has added a new dimension to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) procurement strategy, though many uncertainties remain.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2025 visit to Washington, Trump announced plans to “pave the way” for India to acquire F-35s as part of a broader push to boost bilateral defence ties and military sales.
The F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter with advanced sensor fusion and electronic warfare capabilities, could theoretically address the IAF’s urgent need for modern jets amid depleting squadron strength (31 vs. the sanctioned 42).
However, the offer is still in the proposal stage, with no formal negotiations initiated as of March 2025. Indian officials have emphasized that the process remains preliminary, requiring careful evaluation of costs, operational fit, and strategic autonomy.
The F-35’s acquisition would mark a departure from India’s historical reliance on Russian systems like the Su-30MKI and S-400 air defences, potentially complicating existing partnerships. Meanwhile, Russia has counter-offered co-production of its Su-57E Felon stealth jets, creating a diplomatic tightrope for New Delhi. Analysts note that Trump’s transactional approach -- linking the F-35 deal to broader trade concessions and India’s potential purchase of Lockheed Martin’s F-21 (an F-16 variant) -- adds complexity.
Cost and Reliability: The F-35 program has faced criticism for its soaring costs (now exceeding $412 billion for 2,456 jets) and persistent maintenance issues. Its stealth coatings are notoriously difficult to maintain in tropical climates, raising concerns about operational readiness in Indian conditions.
Technology Transfer: The US has historically restricted access to sensitive technologies, even for allies. Full transfer of F-35 avionics or engine tech (Pratt & Whitney F135) remains unlikely, limiting India’s ability to indigenize systems.
Strategic Risks: Integrating the F-35 with Russian-made platforms could trigger sanctions under the US Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). This poses a dilemma for India, which operates S-400 missile systems and plans to procure more Russian hardware.
The F-35 offer coincides with India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program entering its engineering development phase. The AMCA, targeting induction by 2035, aims to feature supercruise, stealth, and domestic radar systems. Trump’s proposal could divert resources from the AMCA, risking delays in achieving self-reliance.
Similarly, the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) for naval operations remains in preliminary design, with prototypes expected by 2026. While the TEDBF focuses on carrier compatibility, the F-35B/C variants (short-takeoff and carrier-capable models) could offer an alternative, albeit at the cost of undermining indigenous projects.
China’s deployment of J-20 stealth jets near the Line of Actual Control and Pakistan’s planned acquisition of 40 J-35s have intensified pressure on India to modernise. The F-35’s sensor networks and long-range strike capabilities could counterbalance these threats, but its effectiveness against integrated air defense systems like the S-400 -- which India itself operates -- is untested.
Thus, the IAF must weigh short-term gains against long-term strategic goals. Accelerating the stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets is critical. The proposed structure includes an initial batch of 54 fighters procured directly from a foreign supplier under a 'Buy Global' framework, followed by 60 jets to be manufactured locally in India to support indigenization efforts
In conclusion, Trump’s F-35 offer presents both opportunities and risks. While the jet could temporarily bolster India’s airpower, overreliance on imports risks derailing the AMCA and TEDBF programs. With China advancing sixth-gen prototypes and Pakistan modernising its fleet, India’s choices in 2025–26 will shape its aerospace trajectory for decades
