In an effort to boost to US-India defence relations, former US President Donald Trump announced plans to sell the cutting-edge F-35 fighter jets to India. Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump revealed that the United States would increase military sales to India by billions of dollars starting in 2025, including the sale of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth fighter jets.

Has India agreed to purchase F-35s from America?

Responding to media queries related to military sales, at the end of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump talks, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said “There is a process by which platforms are acquired. There is, in most cases, a request for proposals (RfP) that is floated. There are responses to those. These are evaluated. With regard to the acquisition of an advanced aviation platform by India, that process has not started as yet.”

“So, this is currently something that’s at the stage of a proposal,” the foreign secretary said.

This fighter jet is supposed to be among the most advanced military assets in the world, known for its versatility, stealth, and technological superiority.

F-35 in India

The F-35 fighter jets made their first appearance in India in 2023 at the Aero India air show, marking a significant milestone in the growing defence ties between the two countries. The United States Air Force (USAF) showcased the F-35A Lightning II and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at the event held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. The aircraft impressed crowds with its advanced aerial capabilities. This year, the F-35A Lightning II made another appearance at the 2025 Aero India.

The announcement of the F-35 sale comes close on the heels of increasing US defence ties with India, with defence trade touching $20 billion by 2020.

The F-35: Key Features

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 is a multirole, fifth-generation fighter designed to dominate air, sea, and land-based warfare. The jet is available in three variants:

F-35A: Conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) version, primarily used by the US Air Force.

F-35B: Short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, employed by the US Marine Corps.

F-35C: Carrier-based model, designed for operations aboard Navy aircraft carriers.

According to the information available in the public domain, the fighter jet’s design offers unmatched stealth, agility, and interoperability. It incorporates the latest in radar-absorbing materials and internal weapon bays to minimize visibility to enemy radar, making it an ideal asset in contested airspace. With its impressive range, sensor systems, and high-speed capabilities, the F-35 excels in combat scenarios such as air superiority, ground attack, and intelligence gathering.

Cost and Global Reach

Despite its unmatched technological advantages, the F-35 comes with a hefty price tag. The shell price of F-35 is approximately $80 million per aircraft. Then the price goes up with customer’s request for specific weapons on board including missiles, force multipliers as well as  avionics.

Furthermore, according to a former IAF fighter pilot who wished to remain anonymous, “Consider the life cycle cost maintenance which are steep, and there is still no clarity on the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for F-35 which is expected to come through Foreign Military sales (FMS) if approved.”

Besides these concerns, India remains uncertain about the US as a reliable long-term strategic partner, as the US puts several restrictions in operating the aircraft, going by previous discussions on this.

This aircraft is currently flown by several allied nations, including the UK, Israel, Japan, Australia, and Italy.

Challenges for India

Notably, India operates the Russian-made S-400 air defence system, which could complicate its integration of American technology. The US had previously suspended Turkey’s involvement in the F-35 program due to its purchase of the S-400, and India may face similar challenges in reconciling its defence ties with both Russia and the US.

Moreover, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed concerns about the suitability of the F-35 in addressing its specific needs, including cost, maintenance, and its current requirements for fighter jets. As India looks to modernize its fleet, there are also domestic programs underway, including the development of the indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), which could potentially reduce reliance on foreign fighters.

Will this offer impact 114 MRFA for IAF?

Yes. According to sources, with the offer, the process will get delayed further, though India has yet to release a tender for 114 Medium Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, Russia (Su-57 & MiG- 35, Su-35), and Sweden (Gripen NG from SAAB) are among the contenders for the MRFA which has already been delayed for long.

The French Rafale are already the front runners, as the IAF is already operating two squadrons (36 fighter jets) and has paid for India specific enhancements.