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.

 

[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.

 

[kumar]

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.

Short term vision and misplaced priorities has what resulted in my country being in this problematic situation. Example is just right in front of us. Till date the great US could not deliver on F404 engine even when it had decades of aviation tech experience. Our over reliance on US engines has landed us in a soup, which some of us in our country still refuse to believe. Some of them maybe driven by agendas where a case is made for imports by showing the immediate threat like Pakis. But until we invest and persevere and develop our own weapons platforms, we will never be in a position to deter China with effective systems in place.
Chinese followed this route, even when their J10 could not even fly straight. But they invested and persevered. They are doing the same in the high altitude of Himalayas.