India Needs F-35 Now to Counter China's J-20 Threat Until AMCA is Ready, Urges Former Air Marshal

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Air Marshal Anil Chopra has made a strong case for India to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jet as a crucial interim solution to counter China's growing air power, particularly the rapid deployment of its J-20 fighters.

In a recent interview, Chopra emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing to China's plans to have 1,000 J-20s operational by 2035. While he acknowledged the significance of India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, he stressed the need for a stopgap measure until the AMCA becomes a reality. Chopra even advocated for direct Prime Minister's Office oversight of the AMCA program to ensure its timely development.

According to Chopra, the F-35 is the most viable option for India to bridge this capability gap. The positive feedback from IAF pilots who examined the aircraft at Aero India 2023 and a seemingly more receptive stance from the Pentagon suggest that the US may be open to selling the F-35 to India.

Chopra urged India to consider pursuing this option as soon as possible, even though no formal request has been made. He highlighted the F-35's advanced capabilities, including stealth technology and long-range strike capabilities, which would give India a significant advantage over its adversaries.

Beyond bolstering India's air power, acquiring the F-35 would strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States and serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries in the region.

However, Chopra acknowledged the challenges associated with buying American fighter jets, including logistical complexities due to India's existing reliance on Russian jets and potential US reluctance to share cutting-edge technology.

Chopra also highlighted concerns about India's outdated fighter jet squadrons and the urgency to address the gap in air defence capabilities. He acknowledged that acquiring American fighter jets is a temporary solution, and India must prioritize long-term investments in research and development to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies.

 

[desigandu]

I think Bharat should formally behind closed doors engage with the US to get at least 50 F-35s, in fly a way condition before 2030 and work with them in conditions needed for the same. We can isolate these planes from S-400s and also keep them in place to counter China primarily, while accelerating AMCA which is unlikely to come in before 2035, and Tejas Mk-2, which is also likely only by 2030 - leaving large gaps for IAF.

If we either cancel MRFA and repurpose that for F-35s in a G2G, or do both Rafales (only if the french make it in India with substantial TOT and local supplier ecosystem at a reasonable cost) as planned but also F-35s, which may get expensive with a spend of say $50B over 10 years, doable but expensive. Leasing say 25 F-35 jets for 10 years before AMCA arrives could also be an option. Buying F-35s with spares, training, weapons, maintenance could be $250-300m per jet comparable to the Rafales, but of course more expensive to maintain and operate due to their advanced nature.

F-35s are the best stealth jets in the world (barring F-22, which are unavailable for exports) and already produced over 1000…Bharat is not Turkey and i think it is just a matter of time before we acquire the F-35s, as we don’t have my viable alternatives in the short term…

 

[sanket]

Bharat selected 26 Rafale -M over F-18 US is best for buying chopppers rather than Fighter jets

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

With infra for Rafale already built up and money spent at the two basis , 7 more squns of the aircraft need to be inducted for standardization and reducing the no of type aircraft .As an emergency purchase 4-6 Squns of F-35 A need to be acquired till AMCA is inducted post 2035.To keep the Russians happy the Mig -29 squns be replaced with 5 squns SU-57 M .The navy,s MIG -29 M be Transferred to the airforce and replaced with 45 f-35B.

 

[Anant]

The international arms market isn't a supermarket where one can go and just pick out whatever one wants. Many defence analysts either do not take that into consideration, or do not pay it enough credence.

In any case, F-35s for India is a very difficult proposition. Firstly, India has never operated American fighters, so an entirely new infrastructure and logistics chain would have to be set up. Even training would have to be done separately. Secondly, the F-35 is known to be a very expensive fighter to purchase, operate, and maintain. As such, given the somewhat constrained budgets that the IAF and IN get, F-35s may not be practical.

There is also the fact that India operates the S-400, and any potential F-35 purchase would therefore put conditions on the usage of the S-400, which might not be practical.

Then there is the entire geopolitical aspect. Make no mistake: The US wants a closer relationship with India, but they also want an India that is atleast going to stand on their side. These random allegations of India selling stuff to Russia, or India's undemocratic elections (look at what is going on in France and then compare the democracy index places for both nations), random reports of religious violence in India, etc, are all ample proof of that.

Much as it pains me to accept the detrimental effect that this is having on the IAF, the only way we are getting a fifth generation fighter is by making the damned thing ourselves. MRFA is a different matter, and that needs to be fast-tracked. I'd say that rather than the F-35, we should prioritise MRFA and abandon the foolish hopes that HAL will get its act together and actually deliver OTIF. That isn't happening, and by some miracle, even if it did, a simple mathematical calculation will show it isn't going to be enough.

 

[Anant]

With infra for Rafale already built up and money spent at the two basis , 7 more squns of the aircraft need to be inducted for standardization and reducing the no of type aircraft .As an emergency purchase 4-6 Squns of F-35 A need to be acquired till AMCA is inducted post 2035.To keep the Russians happy the Mig -29 squns be replaced with 5 squns SU-57 M .The navy,s MIG -29 M be Transferred to the airforce and replaced with 45 f-35B.

Sir, with all due respect, what we need is a more homogenous air force. This potpourri of aircraft types we have historically maintained has proven to be an exceptional headache, and is not something we can continue.

Coming to the geopolitical aspect, do you really think the Americans will sell us F-35s if we also go and buy Su-57s? Heck, would the Russians sell Su-57s if they see India buying F-35s as well?

You want both Russian and US aircraft? Fine. The best you can do in that is the F-16V and the Super Su-30MKI or something similar.

 

[desigandu]

The international arms market isn't a supermarket where one can go and just pick out whatever one wants. Many defence analysts either do not take that into consideration, or do not pay it enough credence.

In any case, F-35s for India is a very difficult proposition. Firstly, India has never operated American fighters, so an entirely new infrastructure and logistics chain would have to be set up. Even training would have to be done separately. Secondly, the F-35 is known to be a very expensive fighter to purchase, operate, and maintain. As such, given the somewhat constrained budgets that the IAF and IN get, F-35s may not be practical.

There is also the fact that India operates the S-400, and any potential F-35 purchase would therefore put conditions on the usage of the S-400, which might not be practical.

Then there is the entire geopolitical aspect. Make no mistake: The US wants a closer relationship with India, but they also want an India that is atleast going to stand on their side. These random allegations of India selling stuff to Russia, or India's undemocratic elections (look at what is going on in France and then compare the democracy index places for both nations), random reports of religious violence in India, etc, are all ample proof of that.

Much as it pains me to accept the detrimental effect that this is having on the IAF, the only way we are getting a fifth generation fighter is by making the damned thing ourselves. MRFA is a different matter, and that needs to be fast-tracked. I'd say that rather than the F-35, we should prioritise MRFA and abandon the foolish hopes that HAL will get its act together and actually deliver OTIF. That isn't happening, and by some miracle, even if it did, a simple mathematical calculation will show it isn't going to be enough.

No good choices. I think we may have to acquire the F-35s due to massive AMCA delays, no MRFA planes before 2035, and Pakistan flying J-31s by 2030, lack of capability of S-57s. Unless we are prepared to live with a 5th gen threat till AMCA arrives by 2035-2040 i suppose we should act.

I agree trusting the Americans with giving us the F-35 will be signing up with the devil who has his own agenda and expectations, but we don’t have any good viable options except status quo and do nothing - unsure how that feels strategically.

 

[desigandu]

Sir, with all due respect, what we need is a more homogenous air force. This potpourri of aircraft types we have historically maintained has proven to be an exceptional headache, and is not something we can continue.

Coming to the geopolitical aspect, do you really think the Americans will sell us F-35s if we also go and buy Su-57s? Heck, would the Russians sell Su-57s if they see India buying F-35s as well?

You want both Russian and US aircraft? Fine. The best you can do in that is the F-16V and the Super Su-30MKI or something similar.

i predict Bharat will not buy any major Russian weapon system at least in the near term, by 2030 given global geopolitics.

Things can change but unlikely anytime soon.

MRFA Rafales are desperately needed but even if we act fast, they are unlikely to arrive before 2030-2035 at the earliest..

We are screwed and must look at radical solutions which may involve spending a lot of money or just doing nothing and living with these threats...

 

[desigandu]

Sir, with all due respect, what we need is a more homogenous air force. This potpourri of aircraft types we have historically maintained has proven to be an exceptional headache, and is not something we can continue.

Coming to the geopolitical aspect, do you really think the Americans will sell us F-35s if we also go and buy Su-57s? Heck, would the Russians sell Su-57s if they see India buying F-35s as well?

You want both Russian and US aircraft? Fine. The best you can do in that is the F-16V and the Super Su-30MKI or something similar.

MRFA could be the fastest with domestic assembly if we decide on F-16V.

 

[desigandu]

Look it is in Americas interest to sell Bharat the F-35s and get closer and control us, but only Bharat should decide if it is in its interest how to balance F-35 capability with strategic autonomy…

My prediction is that Bharat will go in for a limited number of F-35s before 2030…Just a prediction folks, and things could change if DRDO/HAL can deliver on AMCA faster.

Nothing better than atmanirbharta but we may not be there till 2035, and will have to manage our threat environment till then…

 

[Sunny]

It would take a miracle for USA to export F-35 to us in the current circumstances.

First option is we discard S-400 and go with a limited combination of Patriot SAM and THAAD which should be enough to appease USA, so we can get the F-35. We need to speed up the ABM defenses we are developing to fill-up the remaining gaps. No need to mention the extraordinary costs involved in this .

Second option is we go for the SU-57 which though not as advanced as F-35 should be enough to counter J-20 / J-31 and should give us enough time till AMCA is inducted in enough numbers.

 

[ConcernedCitizen]

The international arms market isn't a supermarket where one can go and just pick out whatever one wants. Many defence analysts either do not take that into consideration, or do not pay it enough credence.

In any case, F-35s for India is a very difficult proposition. Firstly, India has never operated American fighters, so an entirely new infrastructure and logistics chain would have to be set up. Even training would have to be done separately. Secondly, the F-35 is known to be a very expensive fighter to purchase, operate, and maintain. As such, given the somewhat constrained budgets that the IAF and IN get, F-35s may not be practical.

There is also the fact that India operates the S-400, and any potential F-35 purchase would therefore put conditions on the usage of the S-400, which might not be practical.

Then there is the entire geopolitical aspect. Make no mistake: The US wants a closer relationship with India, but they also want an India that is atleast going to stand on their side. These random allegations of India selling stuff to Russia, or India's undemocratic elections (look at what is going on in France and then compare the democracy index places for both nations), random reports of religious violence in India, etc, are all ample proof of that.

Much as it pains me to accept the detrimental effect that this is having on the IAF, the only way we are getting a fifth generation fighter is by making the damned thing ourselves. MRFA is a different matter, and that needs to be fast-tracked. I'd say that rather than the F-35, we should prioritise MRFA and abandon the foolish hopes that HAL will get its act together and actually deliver OTIF. That isn't happening, and by some miracle, even if it did, a simple mathematical calculation will show it isn't going to be enough.

Yeah. But if you had seen his arguments, By 2030, we might not even get all the LCA Mk1As we had contracted for let alone, mk2s, mrfas( i think they still havent published rfp for this yet!). This on top of current projected rollout date of amca of 2035 which even industy insiders say is ambitious. So by 2030, if nothing new is tried out, IAF is poised to have much smaller fleet strength but with two adversaries operating 5gen aircraft regardless of how inferior the actual 5 gen capabilities are. Unless we want to take a gamble on our defence around 2030, what other options do we have? Particularly when su 57 production line so far hasnt even completed production for a squadron of aircraft.

 

[Raj]

How capable rafale f4 is, can it win against fa 18,f15,f21 , even f35 ( specs,cost,tot ). I think usa can't just leave this deal in this present economic situation. They have lot to share.

 

[Akshat]

MRFA could be the fastest with domestic assembly if we decide on F-16V.

Nope. Taiwan was given a time frame of 7 years for delivery of first F16.

 

[PKPRS]

I think Bharat should formally behind closed doors engage with the US to get at least 50 F-35s, in fly a way condition before 2030 and work with them in conditions needed for the same. We can isolate these planes from S-400s and also keep them in place to counter China primarily, while accelerating AMCA which is unlikely to come in before 2035, and Tejas Mk-2, which is also likely only by 2030 - leaving large gaps for IAF.

They are strictly prohibited for India unless GOI buys or rents an island 400 kms away from India with US military deployment there checking all the time if any Russian system is messing with F35 and allowing Indians to use there.

 

[PKPRS]

i predict Bharat will not buy any major Russian weapon system at least in the near term, by 2030 given global geopolitics.

Things can change but unlikely anytime soon.

MRFA Rafales are desperately needed but even if we act fast, they are unlikely to arrive before 2030-2035 at the earliest..

We are screwed and must look at radical solutions which may involve spending a lot of money or just doing nothing and living with these threats...

But we need $40Bln for that, where do we get money for oter items like Submarine, carriers and others.

 

[Bhupesh Desai]

F35 is a bad idea. You cannot trust USA as they may spring some surprise during event of need thus better to stay away. There are other options: Like SU-57, or Chakemate-SU-75.

 

[desigandu]

Nope. Taiwan was given a time frame of 7 years for delivery of first F16.

That was Taiwan this is India, and please don't tell me that the French can deliver make in India Rafales before 2035...Whatever we end up with is not coming before 2032-2025, unless someone can give us fly by jets...

 

[desigandu]

But we need $40Bln for that, where do we get money for oter items like Submarine, carriers and others.

No good viable choices...IAF Options are the following or a combination of these in some form -

1. do nothing and live with the threat...not a good idea...
2. accelerate AMCA, Tejas Mk2 etc...best case not before 2035 for AMCA and 2030 for Tejas Mk2;
3. buy Russian maal of Su-57...substandard and antagonize America/West;
4. buy French maal...which is not starting with MRFA before 2033-2035 at a very high cost...
5. Sleep with the Americans and somehow get some F-35s...sacrifice strategic autonomy and live with their whims/fancies...

Whatever we do will cost money (capability costs money) - key considerations should include a combination of timelines, TOT, domestic ecosystem with our depleting IAF force levels and the elevated threat environment with Pakistan potentially getting J-31s before 2030...

 

[ConcernedCitizen]

It would take a miracle for USA to export F-35 to us in the current circumstances.

First option is we discard S-400 and go with a limited combination of Patriot SAM and THAAD which should be enough to appease USA, so we can get the F-35. We need to speed up the ABM defenses we are developing to fill-up the remaining gaps. No need to mention the extraordinary costs involved in this .

Second option is we go for the SU-57 which though not as advanced as F-35 should be enough to counter J-20 / J-31 and should give us enough time till AMCA is inducted in enough numbers.

If we can get xrsam development completed, we can cancel the remaing 3 s400s on order and sell the 2 we have to belarus or some other 3rd country second hand. Maybe. I'm not sure of the nitty gritties