What Makes the F-35 So Alluring for India?
In a surprising development, US President Donald Trump has extended an offer to supply India with F-35 stealth fighter jets, as part of broader efforts to strengthen defence ties and deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations. The offer comes as India’s Air Force (IAF) is exploring options for new fighter jets, with various models under consideration.
Historically, the F-35 wasn’t seen as a strong contender for India due to its sensitive technology and the country’s reliance on advanced Russian defence systems. However, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, DC, Trump made the proposal. This coincided with the 2025 Aero India airshow in Bengaluru, where the F-35 was prominently showcased.
Trump also revealed that, starting this year, the US will significantly increase military sales to India, including steps to eventually offer the F-35 fighter. Although Modi didn’t mention the F-35 in his speech during the press conference, a joint statement confirmed that the US was reviewing its policy on supplying India with fifth-generation fighter jets and other advanced military systems.
Even before Trump’s presidency, the US had recognized India as a key buyer of military equipment. Last year, the Biden administration approved nearly $4 billion in defence sales to India, which included drones, missiles, and smart bombs.
India has also made significant moves to bolster its naval and ground defence capabilities. For instance, India is acquiring six more P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft to enhance its ability to monitor and protect its waters. These aircraft are equipped with advanced radar and sensors to track enemy submarines. The country is also purchasing Javelin anti-armour missiles, designed to target tanks and armoured vehicles, and Stryker infantry combat vehicles, offering soldiers protection and mobility in rough terrain.
India has also struck agreements to locally produce both Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles, helping to build its defence industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The possibility of the US offering the F-35 to India had been discussed before. In 2018, a US military official expressed support for such a deal, acknowledging the potential for further defence cooperation. However, it’s still unclear how serious Trump’s offer is, although India is definitely looking to purchase new fighter jets. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, has expressed interest in collaborating with both the US and India on future defence deals, including fighter jets, missiles, and helicopters.
Lockheed Martin has been working with India for over 30 years, supporting the development of the country’s aerospace and defence industry. The company has contributed to key military projects such as the C-130J transport aircraft and S-92 helicopter cabins.
As part of its plan to strengthen air power, the IAF is looking to acquire 114 new fighter jets under the Multirole Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. India already has 36 Rafale jets, but the MRFA competition has expanded to include a wider variety of options, including the F-15EX, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and European contenders like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen E/F. Russia has also entered the fray with the Su-57 stealth fighter.
The F-21, a variant of the F-16 designed for India, is another potential candidate, alongside the F-35, which stands out for its advanced technology and capabilities. As part of the MRFA programme, companies must commit to producing fighter jets in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which would boost the country’s domestic defence sector.
India is unlikely to manufacture the F-35 locally in the near future, and it remains to be seen whether the government would be willing to waive this requirement. However, there is potential for some parts of the F-35 to be produced in India or for technology sharing, which could be valuable as India develops its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
While the AMCA is expected to enter service around 2036, the F-35 could provide a valuable interim solution to strengthen the IAF, especially as China’s military power grows. However, acquiring the F-35 is a significant financial commitment, and the Indian government would need to approve funding for such an expensive investment.
There are also challenges tied to India’s long-standing defence ties with Russia. India’s purchase of the S-400 air defence system, which is also used by countries like Turkey, complicates the F-35 deal, as the US has historically been wary of selling its advanced technology to countries that rely on Russian systems. Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme when it refused to give up the S-400 system, and similar concerns could arise with India.
Despite these obstacles, there is hope that changing US foreign policy and India’s growing strategic ties with the US might help overcome these hurdles. In fact, the US may offer India a deal to replace its Russian-made air defence systems with similar US technology, helping smooth the path for the F-35.
Trump’s offer of the F-35 is a significant gesture aimed at further solidifying the US-India defence relationship. It’s also seen as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, where both India and the US see China as a primary security challenge.
The road to a formal deal is still uncertain, with many obstacles to overcome, including political and technical complexities. However, the offer represents an important step in deepening US-India defence ties, with the potential to reshape the military landscape in the region.