U.S.-India F35 Fighter Jet Negotiations Remain Unaddressed
India is currently in discussions with its allies to acquire fifth-generation fighter jets, aiming to counter threats from Pakistan and China. However, a recent Bloomberg report suggests that India has communicated to the United States its disinterest in acquiring F-35 jets, opting instead to focus on other defense procurement and domestic production programs.
The decision not to pursue the F-35 purchase appears to be influenced by a combination of factors. Price considerations and high maintenance costs, along with geopolitical factors such as India's existing Russian defense partnerships, have played a significant role in this decision.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is projected to have a record low squadron strength of 29 following the retirement of its last MiG-21 squadrons in September. To meet its operational needs until the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project is ready, the IAF is looking to procure two to three squadrons, around 40 to 60 aircraft, of fifth-generation fighters.
The U.S. proposed the F-35 to India during a meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in February 2025, as part of a strategic push to increase military sales to India and reduce India's dependence on Russian equipment. However, Indian officials, including Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh, have stated that there have been no formal discussions regarding the F-35 purchase, and the deal appears to be effectively shelved due to deteriorating U.S.-India relations and U.S. tariff threats.
India continues to modernize its air force through other means. The IAF has made a detailed presentation to the government outlining its future requirements, especially in light of regional security concerns. This includes the induction of the Tejas MK-1A jets, intended to replace the MiG-21s, although the induction has been delayed due to GE's failure to deliver engines on schedule.
Russia's offer of the Su-57 fifth-generation jet remains part of India's broader military procurement landscape. A potential deal between India and Russia may be discussed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's scheduled visit to India later this year. The AMCA project, a 10-year programme, is India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet project.
India's decision not to pursue the F-35 is a reflection of its complex geopolitical and economic considerations. The country continues to balance foreign purchases and domestic projects, with the aim of modernizing its military while maintaining strategic partnerships.
[1] The Economic Times
[2] Hindustan Times
[3] The Diplomat
[4] Livemint
- In light of India's decision not to acquire the F-35 jets due to price constraints and geopolitical factors, policy-and-legislation discussions regarding the acquisition of fifth-generation fighter jets from other sources, such as Russia's Su-57, are likely to dominate war-and-conflicts related news and politics, as reported by The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, The Diplomat, and Livemint.
- As India continues to navigate its defense procurement plans, recent events, including the effective shelving of the potential F-35 deal and the focus on other defense procurement and domestic production programs, will be closely monitored in the general-news sector, providing insights into India's defense policies and broader geopolitical strategies, as covered by The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, The Diplomat, and Livemint.
