F-35 Remains a Distant Possibility for India, as US Prioritize F-15EX and F-21 Proposals Under MRFA Tender at Aero India 2025

The United States has clarified its position on the sale of fighter aircraft to India under the Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program at Aero India 2025.

While the F-15EX Eagle II and the F-21 (an India-specific variant of the F-16) are being actively promoted, the advanced F-35 Lightning II is not currently on offer through the standard procurement process, which includes Transfer of Technology (ToT).

US officials confirmed that the F-35 is not part of their initial proposal for the MRFA competition. However, they indicated a potential pathway for India to acquire the F-35 through a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement. This route, while possible, does not guarantee a successful sale. Any formal request from India for the F-35 would be subject to further discussions and negotiations, with no assurance of a final agreement.

This cautious approach towards offering the F-35 is likely influenced by several geopolitical factors. Concerns about technology proliferation, particularly given India's strategic partnerships and regional tensions with countries like China and Pakistan, may be playing a role. The US government might be hesitant to share the F-35's advanced stealth capabilities and sensor technologies.

Despite the current focus on the F-15EX and F-21, the possibility of a future G2G deal for the F-35 remains open. This suggests that a shift in international relations or a strong commitment from India could lead to renewed discussions. The situation highlights the complexities involved in acquiring high-tech military hardware, where strategic considerations, technology transfer, and geopolitical dynamics heavily influence procurement decisions.

The announcements at Aero India 2025 underscore a selective strategy by the US in its defence offerings to India. While the F-15EX and F-21 present capable options for India's air force modernization, the F-35, though desirable, remains a distant prospect. This scenario exemplifies the intricate nature of international defence collaborations, where strategic interests, technology sharing, and geopolitical factors play a crucial role in shaping outcomes.

 

[RajeshN]

India should not buy american fighters

 

[sanket]

Ha Ha Ha, I have already stated the difference between the F-35 and Su-57 offer. The US will sell the F-35 in flyaway condition, unlike the Russian customized variant. Local production plus export opportunity will definitely put pressure on Dassault, who is unwilling to share ToT and wants a 100% stake in its DRAL.

 

[Anonymus]

If F-35 were not offered, then go for Su-57, no other option.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Buy a small number of Su57 and if offered similar number of F35's. Don't import costly 4th gen jets now. Having an experience of 5th gen jets can provide some good inputs for AMCA.

 

[Hari Sud]

If F-35 were not offered, then go for Su-57, no other option.

If you buy S-57, then the US will place sanctions on India. The alternative is to speed up AMCA with US or European help.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

All we need is to make them understand their F-15 and F-16 will never be taken up and we are considering the S-57, and Uncle Sam will come to us with the F-35. But asking for the tech for the F-35 is just too much.

 

[vinod nair]

Thank you, but no thanks. Instead of these junks, we can fly MiG-21s. We don't need them really; it is that our present defence procurement is too Americaphilic.

 

[kumar]

We are better off without F35. Already we are facing delays due to the F404 saga.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

India is now understanding the blunder India has done by not investing in R&D... Jet engine development is the main priority... Govt should spend whatever money required to build this in India... but as I said earlier, govt is not focusing on R&D... Only freebies...

 

[Phantom]

Buy a small number of Su57 and if offered similar number of F35's. Don't import costly 4th gen jets now. Having an experience of 5th gen jets can provide some good inputs for AMCA.

F35, this article tells clearly that it's not on offer.

 

[Phantom]

All we need is to make them understand their F-15 and F-16 will never be taken up and we are considering the S-57, and Uncle Sam will come to us with the F-35. But asking for the tech for the F-35 is just too much.

Make them understand that we have S400 and Voronezh, we will definitely get F35😂.

 

[Dredd]

We are better off without F35. Already we are facing delays due to the F404 saga.

What would be your thoughts when we will fall behind PAF in quality?

 

[Enforcer]

I already said many times. It will be offered. Lockheed Martin just loves money. They will be the ones pushing Trump to allow it.

 

[Enforcer]

What would be your thoughts when we will fall behind PAF in quality?

That's their plan. Always one step behind pakistan in terms of quality and capability.

Say whatever you want about PAF, but they are efficient with time and money. They have 10 Swedish AWACS which are fully integrated with their F16. They developed Glide bombs long ago, etc etc.

I am no Pakistani supporter but they are more efficient decision makers for sure.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

If F-35 were not offered, then go for Su-57, no other option.

Dolandji will offer us F35s when Modiji meets him this week. Let's hope for the best. But it will come with condition to buy certain number of F21s aka F16s.

 

[Enforcer]

Dolandji will offer us F35s when Modiji meets him this week. Let's hope for the best. But it will come with condition to buy certain number of F21s aka F16s.

I don't think buying F21 will be the condition. India might have to buy something, either repeat order of Chinook, C-130 or apache or P8I.

One thing is for sure, IF it is offered, then we know USA figured out S-400's capabilities completely from the Ukraine war and deemed S-400 as not a big threat.

 

[rtnguy]

Please, the F35 is a remote-controlled drone from the US. Don't even think of it. Close this MRFA nonsense, buy 18 Rafales and go for 90 Su-57s on which we can fit Virupksha radar and our own EW system and will have an RCS of 0.1.

 

[NikK]

Make them understand that we have S400 and Voronezh, we will definitely get F35😂.

Oh you don't say 🙂 The Russians have them too but that did not prevent 2/3 of their oil infrastructure being attacked.

 

[NikK]

Ha Ha Ha, I have already stated the difference between the F-35 and Su-57 offer. The US will sell the F-35 in flyaway condition, unlike the Russian customized variant. Local production plus export opportunity will definitely put pressure on Dassault, who is unwilling to share ToT and wants a 100% stake in its DRAL.

The Russians being beaten, broke and desperate are going to promise you anything, but.. it's your money .

 

[NikK]

Please, the F35 is a remote-controlled drone from the US. Don't even think of it. Close this MRFA nonsense, buy 18 Rafales and go for 90 Su-57s on which we can fit Virupksha radar and our own EW system and will have an RCS of 0.1.

'Good luck' - Su 57 needs another 5-10 years of engine development, then 10 more years to build 90 jets, but hey since India is such a great friend of Russia (mind you China being an ever bigger friend might want to have a word) they can sell them all to you🙂))

 

[Dr]

If India buys P8I or some other weapon systems/transport planes from the USA, then they may not think of sanctioning India for SU57 purchase from Russia as they too need us to counter China & keep China under pressure. So it's better to go for SU57 for at least 54/72 aircraft if budget permits with TOT which will be helpful in developing our own 5th generation aircraft. Babus can't sit on this for a long time as China is increasing 5th generation aircraft at a rapid pace & also Pakistan will get in the next 3/4 years.

 

[Andy]

I believe Rafale is more or less out. MRFA too is gone. It's a G2G deal for 54 F35 or Su57.

 

[Renu Sri]

F35, this article tells clearly that it's not on offer.

It is not offered under MRFA (TOT and other conditions). Govt to govt option is still open. Buying 36 fighter planes might help us understand the current advances and can help with insights.

 

[kumar]

What would be your thoughts when we will fall behind PAF in quality?

Whichever way you put it, we are competing against Chinese and Turkish equipment. What will be your solution for 6th-gen aircraft a decade from now, which will be fielded by the Chinese? The Chinese did not abandon the J-10 even when it could not fly straight. They progressed through that phase fixing problems, and that is how you build products and not just abandon the development at the drop of a hat. Our short-term vision is our Achilles' heel, compounded by the import lobby.

Anyways, the F-35 is not happening for multiple reasons. There is too much integration required, which will require a lot of money and tech sharing of sensitive data required from the US side. This is keeping aside the strings attached that come with US platforms and their hesitancy in sharing tech.