Event Overview:
- At the Aero India airshow in Bengaluru, both the U.S. F-35 and Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets were showcased.
- U.S. President Trump, alongside PM Modi, announced plans to increase U.S. military sales to India, including potential F-35 deliveries.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ) , GS 3(Technology)
Current Status of F-35 Proposal:
- The official military procurement process has not yet started, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
- India faces a significant gap in fighter jet induction and modernisation, prompting interest in the F-35.
F-35 Features:
- The F-35 is a versatile, tri-service, single-engine fighter with three variants: F-35A (Air Force), F-35B (Marine Corps), and F-35C (Navy and Marine Corps).
- Expected to remain in service until the 2080s.
Challenges for India:
- Integration with India’s existing military architecture, which includes diverse systems from India, Russia, France, and Israel.
- Despite a decade-long delay and a budget overshoot of $209 billion, the F-35 programme has delivered over 990 units worldwide.
- The F-35 is a single-seater, contrasting with the IAF’s preference for twin-seater jets, a factor that previously led to dropping the Russian FGFA co-development due to cost.
Indigenous Fighter Programmes:
- The LCA-Mk1A project, with 83 jets ordered and 97 more in the pipeline, faces delays due to developmental and engine issues.
- The LCA-Mk2, a larger and more capable aircraft, is set for its first flight in 2026.
- The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s own FGFA, is planned for induction by 2034-35.
Other Considerations:
- The MRFA tender, for acquiring 114 foreign jets, is still in progress.
- The introduction of F-35 may challenge India’s commitment to indigenous fighter development and could face obstacles due to strict U.S. regulations and oversight.
