India’s protection procurement technique is shifting in a brand new course, marked by its potential acquisition of U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets.
Historically reliant on Russian and French army know-how, India now positions itself to affix an elite group of countries—together with NATO allies, Israel, and Japan—approved to function these superior plane.
This growth, introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump throughout a gathering with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the rising strategic alignment between the 2 nations.
For many years, India’s army relied closely on Russian gear, with over 70% of its air power property sourced from Moscow. Nevertheless, geopolitical shifts, Western sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine battle, and delays in Russian deliveries have pushed India to diversify its protection partnerships.
Between 2009–2013 and 2019–2023, India’s arms imports from Russia dropped from 76% to 36%, whereas imports from Western suppliers like France and the U.S. surged. The F-35 proposal displays this shift and provides India an opportunity to modernize its air power with one of many world’s most superior fighter jets.
The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, integrates stealth capabilities, superior sensors, and networked fight techniques, offering unmatched air superiority.
If acquired, it could complement India’s current fleet of Russian Su-30MKIs and French Rafales whereas addressing important gaps in stealth know-how towards regional adversaries like China and Pakistan.
Logistical and Monetary Challenges in Integrating the F-35
Nevertheless, integrating the F-35 into an air power dominated by Russian-origin infrastructure poses logistical challenges. The excessive value—starting from $80 million to $115 million per unit—additionally raises questions on affordability inside India’s protection funds.
Past protection cooperation, commerce and vitality emerged as key subjects throughout Trump and Modi’s discussions. Modi dedicated to growing imports of U.S. oil and gasoline as a part of efforts to scale back commerce imbalances.
Each leaders expressed optimism about finalizing a mutually useful commerce settlement quickly, with Modi asserting plans to double bilateral commerce to $500 billion by 2030.
Nevertheless, tensions over tariffs stay unresolved. Trump criticized India’s “unfairly excessive” commerce limitations however pledged to handle these points via negotiations.The potential F-35 deal symbolizes greater than army modernization.
It displays India’s broader pivot towards diversifying alliances amid rising Indo-Pacific safety considerations. Concurrently, increasing financial ties with the U.S. reinforces India’s place as a key companion in an evolving world order.