There is ongoing debate among defence experts regarding India's potential acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. A key point of contention revolves around the level of control India would have over the aircraft's systems.
Some analysts argue that India should follow Israel's lead and demand full access to the fighter's source code and AESA radar system to ensure compatibility with indigenous weapons and communication systems.
The F-35A, while a highly advanced stealth fighter, comes with restrictions imposed by the United States that limit foreign operators' ability to customize the aircraft. Acquiring the F-35A under standard Foreign Military Sales (FMS) terms could restrict India's ability to integrate its own weapons, upgrade subsystems, and ensure seamless communication with existing fighter jets, such as the Su-30MKI and Rafale.
Without source code access, India would face limitations in integrating indigenous weapons like the Astra BVRAAM and BrahMos-NG missiles. This dependence on U.S. approvals could hinder operational flexibility and delay crucial upgrades. Additionally, it could create interoperability challenges with India's diverse fleet of Western and Russian-origin aircraft, hindering communication and coordination during combat operations.
Controlling the F-35's software is crucial for national security. The U.S. manages software updates and data for the F-35 fleet through centralized systems. If India lacks control over these systems, it would be reliant on the U.S. for critical updates and patches, potentially jeopardizing sovereignty over mission-critical defence systems.
Israel stands as a precedent for securing greater autonomy in F-35 operations. As the only F-35 operator outside the United States with extensive customization rights, Israel has integrated its own weapons systems, electronic warfare suites, and communication protocols into its F-35I Adir fleet. This approach has allowed Israel to maintain technological independence and ensure seamless interoperability with its existing defence infrastructure.
Furthermore, Israel has established its own maintenance infrastructure for the F-35I, reducing its reliance on the U.S. for sustainment and logistical support. This self-sufficiency is a critical aspect of maintaining operational readiness and strategic autonomy.
Given India's emphasis on indigenous defence technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, acquiring the F-35A without similar concessions to those granted to Israel could be strategically disadvantageous. Full access to the source code and the ability to customize the aircraft are essential for India to fully leverage the F-35A's capabilities and integrate it seamlessly with its existing and future defence ecosystem.
