India faces a critical decision in modernizing its air force – but is the solution the latest American fighter jet?
During his visit to Washington last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump, who announced that they were “paving the way” for India to purchase the F-35, a jet mainly sold to close allies and partners.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter jet with advanced sensors, AI-driven combat systems, and continuous data-sharing capabilities.
Built to evade radar, it is the most sophisticated jet in the sky – but with a price tag of $80 million, it is also one of the most expensive.
Many believe that with its shrinking fighter jet fleet and the growing Chinese military, India faces a major decision: buy the modern, but costly, F-35 from the US or strengthen defense ties with Russia by producing its own advanced stealth jet, the Sukhoi Su-57.
Experts believe the reality is more nuanced, with the US-Russia “battle” largely being a media spectacle – recently fueled by the appearance of both jets at Asia’s largest airshow, Aero India, in the southern city of Bangalore last month, reports the BBC.
Trump’s offer for the F-35 seems more “symbolic” than practical, driven by his push to sell American arms, according to Ashley J. Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
