Air Marshal AP Singh, the chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has voiced scepticism over the possible purchase of the F-35 stealth fighter fighters from the US. Singh reaffirmed during his speech at the India Today Conclave 2025 that investing in such cutting-edge technology is not the same as investing in a consumer item like a washing machine.
He emphasised the necessity of carefully examining the specifications and expenses related to the F-35, one of the priciest fighter jets in the world, with a unit cost of almost $80 million.
Despite President Donald Trump’s recent pitch during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, Singh pointed out that the United States has not made a formal offer for the F-35.
The IAF is now working to expedite the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), an in-house fifth-generation fighter jet program, which is anticipated to be introduced by 2035.
However, before the AMCA is prepared, India may take into consideration off-the-shelf purchases with local content due to urgent needs and the sluggish pace of indigenous manufacture.
The United States’ larger plan to lessen India’s dependency on Russian defence hardware is said to include the F-35 offer.
However, doubts have been raised concerning the F-35’s appropriateness for India’s defence requirements due to issues with its performance and high maintenance costs.
The F-35, which costs about $80 million per, is one of the priciest combat jets in the world. It also demands expensive training and upkeep, which could put a pressure on India’s defence budget. Concerns have also been raised about the F-35’s operational availability, which estimates place at less than 51% in India.
The F-35’s manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, has strict control over the technology and spare parts, which might make it more difficult for India to independently alter or improve the aircraft. Additionally, this might result in a reliance on American workers for upkeep, which would raise security issues.
Due to U.S. restrictions on transferring stealth technology to nations that use Russian weapons, India’s tight defence connections with Russia, particularly the acquisition of the S-400 missile defence system, might make any F-35 transaction more difficult. There may be obstacles to such a transaction from the US Congress as well.
India is concentrating on creating the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter, and would rather build its own capabilities than buy them from other countries. By 2035, the AMCA should be completed, so funding the F-35 could take funds away from this project.
According to some experts, India might be better suited purchasing the Russian Su-57, which might provide comparable capabilities at a possibly lower cost and with more advantageous circumstances, like co-production chances.
India could gain a number of advantages by creating its own fifth-generation fighter plane, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA):
Through the AMCA project, India will develop its capabilities in stealth, super-cruise, and advanced avionics, putting it at the forefront of domestic fighter aircraft technology. India will be positioned as a leader in aerospace innovation because to this technological advancement.
India strengthens its strategic autonomy and lessens its need on foreign sources by creating its own fighter jet. India is able to make decisions independently and keep control over its defence systems thanks to its independence.
The AMCA program has the potential to boost growth in the Indian aerospace industry and generate high-skilled jobs. Significant economic gains, such as higher domestic investment and lower foreign exchange outflows, can result from local manufacturing and development.
Potential enemies will be deterred by the AMCA’s improved capabilities, which include superior air combat performance and stealth. This preserves the balance of power and can result in a more stable regional environment.
Future defence project partnerships with other regional powers may be made possible by the AMCA’s success, which would promote increased security and stability via cooperation.
By creating its own fighter, India can customise the aircraft to match its own operational needs and the particular difficulties the Indian Air Force faces.
According to experts, India may decide to prioritise the development of its domestic capabilities while making limited purchases of the F-35 as a stopgap solution, much like it did with France on the Rafale.
