The United Sates, during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and American President Donald Trump, made a landmark offer to supply India with the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. This proposal has sparked significant interest in New Delhi, as the F-35 is hailed as the most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft in the world.
“We'll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We're also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters,” Trump told reporters.
WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED FIGHTER JET
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter renowned for its ability to operate undetected at supersonic speeds. It boasts advanced electronic warfare systems, open architecture, sophisticated sensors, and exceptional information fusion capabilities.
These features allow the jet to detect and engage targets at long ranges, making it a formidable asset in modern aerial combat.
F-35 VARIANTS AND THEIR COSTS
The F-35 is available in three primary variants:
F-35A: The conventional takeoff and landing version which is primarily used by the US Air Force. Its costs around $80 million per unit.
F-35B: This is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant which is used by the US Marine Corps. It is priced at approximately $115 million per unit.
F-35C: The carrier-based version designed for the US Navy costs about $110 million per unit.
However, beyond the procurement cost, operating an F-35 is expensive, with each flight hour costing roughly $36,000 due to its sophisticated technology and maintenance requirements.
GLOBAL ADOPTION OF F-35
The F-35 is not exclusive to the United States. It has been embraced by numerous allied nations, making it a truly global asset:
Australia operates 72 F-35A jets. The United Kingdom, Italy, and Norway are program partner nations that have integrated the F-35 into their fleets.
Through the US Department of Defence’s Foreign Military Sales program, Japan, South Korea, and Israel have also placed orders for the aircraft.
If India accepts this offer, it would become the first non-NATO and non-Pacific US ally to incorporate the F-35 into its arsenal, a move that could significantly reshape its air combat capabilities.
RAFALE: INDIA’S CURRENT WORKHORSE
India currently operates the Rafale, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter that has proven its worth in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
Customised for Indian requirements, the Rafale is priced at approximately $110-120 million per unit and is known for its versatility, agility, and robust payload capacity.
Unlike the F-35, the Rafale does not feature advanced stealth technology, but it excels in operational readiness and has a strong track record in diverse combat environments.
F-35 VS RAFALE
While the F-35 offers groundbreaking stealth, sensor fusion, and long-range capabilities, these advantages come with high acquisition and operational costs. The F-35’s advanced radar (AN/APG-81 AESA) and superior electronic warfare systems give it a significant edge in beyond visual range engagements.
Conversely, the Rafale, although less stealthy, is highly agile and performs exceptionally well in close-combat scenarios, offering a longer combat range when equipped with external fuel tanks. Both aircraft are nuclear-capable, yet the F-35 represents a major leap in technological innovation, whereas the Rafale offers a proven balance of performance and cost-effectiveness.
THE CHALLENGES
The US offer of the F-35 could potentially transform India’s air superiority strategy. However, the decision involves several critical considerations.
Cost and maintenance: The high purchase price and expensive operational costs of the F-35 may pose financial challenges.
Besides, infrastructure and training-integrating the F-35 would require significant upgrades in maintenance infrastructure and specialised pilot training.
Strategic balances: Accepting the F-35 might shift India’s longstanding defence relationships, particularly with Russia, which remains a major supplier of fighter jets to India.
The proposal to supply the F-35 to India represents a bold step in the evolution of India-US defence ties. While the F-35 offers unparalleled stealth and advanced combat capabilities, its high costs and operational demands must be carefully balanced against India’s current needs and strategic partnerships.
WHAT LOCKHEED MARTIN SAID
Following the announcement, Lockheed Martin, an American defence and aerospace manufacturer, issued a statement, saying it looks forward to working closely with the governments of India and the United States.
“Lockheed Martin has been a trusted and strategic partner to India for over three decades and has been instrumental in establishing the foundation of the aerospace and defence ecosystem. We’ve proven our commitment through various production programs like the C-130J, S-92 cabin, and the fighter wings feeding into the global supply chain,” it said.
“We are encouraged by the recent announcement by President Trump to provide the F-35 to India. We look forward to working closely with both governments on upcoming strategic procurements, including the fighters, Javelin and helicopters that will further empower the Indian Armed Forces with 21st-century security solutions and deterrence capabilities to address their pressing needs,” the statement added.
As New Delhi deliberates on this opportunity, the choice will likely reflect a broader vision for modernising its air force while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
This Article is Originally Posted By India Today
