Stories
US Pushes F-35 on India Despite Cold Shoulder; Will IAF Be Swayed by 5th-Gen Jet?
- •The US is persistently trying to sell its advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet to India.
- •The US plans to showcase the F-35 at 'Tarang Shakti 2026,' India's largest air exercise, with over 40 participating nations.
- •India is hesitant due to the F-35's high cost, maintenance, and concerns over US espionage and control.
- •India prioritizes strategic autonomy, relying on Russian Sukhoi, French Rafale, and its indigenous AMCA project.
- •The US's efforts to sell the F-35 are proving unsuccessful in swaying India's defense strategy.
Key Questions Answered
India remains cautious of the F-35 due to its high purchase, maintenance, and hourly flight costs, along with America's strict control conditions and refusal to share critical source codes. Furthermore, relying on foreign assistance for technical malfunctions conflicts with India's strategic autonomy and vision for indigenous defense development.
Tarang Shakti 2026 is India's premier multinational air exercise set to take place at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September 26 to October 12, 2026. The mega-event brings together air forces from over 40 countries to conduct high-octane joint tactical manoeuvres and showcase frontline platforms like the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and Tejas.
The Indian Air Force relies on trusted platforms like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and France's Rafale fighter jets. Additionally, India is aggressively pursuing strategic independence through its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet project, known as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
