Sun Feb 16 16:36:45 UTC 2025: ## US Offers India F-35 Stealth Fighters, Raising Questions About India’s Defence Strategy

**Bengaluru, India –** A surprise announcement by US President Donald Trump alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thrown India’s defence procurement plans into sharp focus. Trump pledged to significantly increase military sales to India, ultimately paving the way for the sale of F-35 stealth fighters to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

While the offer has generated excitement, it also raises concerns. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stressed that the procurement process has yet to begin, and the move’s impact on India’s own fighter jet development programs remains unclear. These indigenous projects, including the LCA-Mk1A, LCA-Mk2, and AMCA, are crucial for India’s aim of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Delays have plagued some of these programs, including issues with engine supply for the LCA-Mk1A.

The F-35’s single-seater configuration also presents a challenge, as the IAF prefers twin-seater jets. This issue hampered a previous attempt at co-developing a fighter jet with Russia. Furthermore, integrating the technologically advanced F-35 into India’s diverse military architecture, which includes Russian, French, and Israeli systems, would pose significant logistical and operational challenges.

The F-35 program itself faces hurdles. A 2024 US Governmental Accountability Office report revealed that the program is over a decade behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget, with none of its variants meeting availability targets.

The offer, however, signals a potential easing of US concerns regarding India’s operation of Russian S-400 air defence systems. The long-term implications for India’s defence strategy, especially considering the ongoing 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, remain to be seen. Experts emphasize the need to protect and prioritize India’s indigenous programs while carefully evaluating the potential acquisition of F-35s.

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