India would give the idea some thought even though it didn’t request the F-35. India is considering acquiring more fighter jets to update its air force, which currently has 31 active squadrons instead of the authorized 42, in the face of escalating regional tensions. The F-35’s high price and maintenance costs have prompted criticism of the U.S.’s proposed sale to India.
As part of its “Make in India” campaign, Russia has offered to produce Su-57 stealth fighters locally with complete technology transfer, which India is also taking into consideration. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) long-delayed project for 114 new multi-role fighter aircraft, which intends to build jets in India with foreign assistance, may take the F-35 into consideration, according to the Economic Times. Additional candidates for this projectinclude the American F-15EX, the Swedish Gripen-E, the Russian Sukhoi-57, the French Rafale, and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Russian S-400 air defense system, which India is implementing as part of a $5.43 billion agreement signed in 2018, is still a significant obstacle. Because the S-400’s radars could track and possibly jeopardize the stealth fighter’s traits and electronic warfare capabilities, the United States is adamantly against any nation operating both the F-35 and the S-400. Before proceeding with the F-35 deal, India will face a significant challenge in resolving this issue.
Regarding former US President Donald Trump’s proposal to sell F-35 fighter jets to India, Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh recently stated that the offer is not yet official. Singh emphasized in a statement on February 17, 2025, that although the US is looking into a roadmap for making the F-35 available, India will only take the proposal into consideration once it is a firm offer. He reaffirmed that any decisions pertaining to military acquisitions will be guided by India’s structured procurement procedures.
Trump’s plan is viewed as a component of a larger plan to strengthen US arms exports and improve defense relations with India. He predicted that military sales to India would rise sharply, setting the stage for further defense technology and equipment partnerships. Singh, however, emphasized India’s sizeable defense budget targeted at different acquisitions and warned that any procurement decisions would be made following careful assessments and in compliance with established procedures.
With only 30 fighter squadrons compared to an authorized 42.5, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is severely lacking in fighter squadrons. India’s need to close its “stealth gap” has increased as a result of this shortcoming, China’s improvements in stealth fighter technology, and Pakistan’s possible purchase of J-35 stealth jets.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has recognized the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program as a solution to this problem, and it is also thinking about purchasing F-35 fighter jets as a stopgap measure.
In a recent address at the Defence Conclave, Lockheed Martin International President Michael Williamson reiterated the company’s dedication to India’s defence industry. He underlined Lockheed Martin’s commitment to the “Make in India” campaign and their backing for accelerating the acquisition of multirole fighter aircraft to satisfy the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) structured requirements while guaranteeing the delivery of indigenous content.
“We can support future strategic procurements, such as fighters, medium transport aircraft, javelins, and helicopters, which will further equip the Indian armed forces with 21st century security solutions,” Williamson said. This is consistent with larger talks by Indian officials, such as Piyush Goyal, the minister of commerce and industry, who met with Williamson to discuss prospects for Indian aircraft manufacturing and stressed the significance of bolstering the ‘Make in India’ campaign in the defense and aerospace industries.
Through a number of initiatives and collaborations, Lockheed Martin has actively contributed to the development of India’s military capabilities. The company’s dedication to local production and technology is demonstrated by the joint ventures they have formed in India, such as with Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the manufacturing of parts like the C-130J empennage.
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Randeep Surjewala, the general secretary of the Congress, has questioned whether India needs costly fighter jets like the F-35 and whether consulting the armed forces and security experts was in the best interests of the country. According to Surjewala, the F-35 aircraft has numerous defects and accidents have occurred; some have referred to them as “junk” and others as “useless.” He added that the cost of one F-35 is about USD 110 million (₹968 crore), and the cost of flying one is USD 35,000 (₹28 lakh) per hour.
