Is US Considering to Sell F-35 Fighter Jets to India to Replace MRFA Program?

A recent National Interest report has sparked fresh discussions about the possibility of India acquiring the F-35A fighter jet from the United States, potentially replacing its ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.

The impressive display of F-35s at last year's Aero India airshow, coupled with China's increasing assertiveness, has fueled debates on the potential strategic benefits of integrating the F-35 into India's air force. The F-35's stealth technology and advanced capabilities are particularly attractive to India, as it seeks to modernize its military and counter threats from China and Pakistan.

However, acquiring the F-35 would represent a significant shift for India, which has traditionally relied on Russia for its military equipment. India's historical dependence on Russia and its recent neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict raise questions about the feasibility of an F-35 deal.

Additionally, the Indian Air Force (IAF) appears to be prioritizing the development of its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, further complicating the potential acquisition of the F-35.

While the F-35 offers an enticing solution for India's air defence needs, several obstacles stand in the way of its acquisition. These include geopolitical complexities, India's longstanding ties with Russia, and the IAF's focus on developing its own fifth-generation fighter.

The future of India's fighter jet program remains uncertain, with the F-35 representing a promising but challenging option. As India continues to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape and modernize its military, the decision to acquire the F-35 will undoubtedly be a crucial one.

 

[Alok Gupta]

It costs almost $35,000 per hour to operate this aircraft. I think India will be better off without it for the time being. The J-20 that China has employed on India's border is visible to Indian radar. So it is really not a much superior aircraft. With the Super Su-30MKI upgrade, India can handle the J-20. India should wait and develop it's own AMCA. The MRFA's RFI also entails manufacturing a portion of the order in India. The US will never share that crucial technology that is involved in the F-35. So, the question of selling the F-35 for the MRFA tender does not arise. It is the fantasy of a lot of so called defense journalists.

 

[PKPRS]

F35 with Israeli Avionics is getting ready.

Lockheed to design new F-35 variant for mystery customer

Lockheed Martin has received a $49 million contract from the United States to design and develop an F-35 variant "tailored for an unspecified Foreign Military Sales customer".

ukdefencejournal.org.uk

but this variant could be for Singapore also, so no guarantees.

 

[Pink Panther]

F35 not coming till S-400 goes out to Ukraine which will never happen, Turkey is a good example, if anything has a chance it would be F21/F15 for the budget $17Bln we have for MRFA 114 jets for $149Mln each or nothing, we might have to do shopping for a lot of scrape metal to keep our old jets up and running and wait for Tejas MK2, may be later they might go for a few squadrons of SU-57 and wait for AMCA.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

I think India going for F35 is neither a game changer nor pipe dream it's a fools belief. I think it's not going to happen. When the Indian government is dragging its feet to procure 114 MRFA fighter aircrafts far too long it places its bet to capitalise on home grown Tejas Mk1A, Mk2 and 5th gen AMCA. It is not in favour of foreign fighter aircrafts the decision makers are banking on made in India fighters to fulfil the numbers in the IAF. Looks like the policy makers are confident war is not happening anytime soon. Even if it is going to happen china will send an invitation. So in the meantime I think in my opinion the government is willing to take chances to wait for Mk1A, Mk2 and AMCA to materialise even if it takes another 10 to 15 years.

 

[Akshat]

F35 not coming till S-400 goes out to Ukraine which will never happen, Turkey is a good example, if anything has a chance it would be F21/F15 for the budget $17Bln we have for MRFA 114 jets for $149Mln each or nothing, we might have to do shopping for a lot of scrape metal to keep our old jets up and running and wait for Tejas MK2, may be later they might go for a few squadrons of SU-57 and wait for AMCA.

Su57 has been rejected by us. The all time L1 will be chosen as that’s the only plane which meets our requirements within the given budget.

 

[ankitksinghal]

We Don't need this useless junk. We should go for su-57....

 

[atuls1590]

I will prefer russian SU-57 over F-35 because Americans are not reliable partners, if you purchase their F-35 then they will force you to agree with their view on world order and India should not be in a position to this bullying tactics of US. Moreover in MRFA tender India should prefer to buy Rafale F5 in big numbers like 5 to 6 squadrons.

 

[gagan Chhabra]

for the time being ,more rafale fighters should be bought to bridge the gap if su 57 has been officially rejected .Ultimately you will have to expedite Tejas.mk2..NO CHOICE

 

[krkishores]

Reliability ,Dependability and credibility of USA in relationship with India still remain suspect. Until that is cleared , India should be careful in sourcing any military hardware from USA. If need be ,Must be limited to only defensive or surveillance hardware