India is open to considering the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets from the United States if a formal proposal is submitted, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced on Monday.
Singh clarified that while the US President had indicated a willingness to provide India with the advanced aircraft during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit, this did not constitute a formal offer.
He emphasized that India would examine the proposal with an "open mind" once it is officially presented. Any potential acquisition would be subject to India's established procurement processes and budgetary considerations, he added.
The Defence Secretary highlighted that India has allocated a substantial budget for defense acquisitions, amounting to Rs 1,80,000 crore for the upcoming financial year and Rs 1,60,000 crore for the current year.
These funds are intended to be utilized for various procurements, including fighter planes, submarines, and missiles, although specific details will be revealed only after the completion of the procurement process.
During Prime Minister Modi's US visit, the US President expressed intentions to increase defense sales to India, including potentially providing access to the F-35 stealth fighter.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft known for its advanced stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and network-enabled operations. It is currently operated by several countries, including the United States and some of its NATO allies.
The potential acquisition of F-35s would significantly enhance India's air power capabilities and contribute to modernizing its armed forces.
