Lockheed Martin Welcomes Potential F-35 Stealth Jet Sale to India, Ending 75 Years of US Fighter Jet Absence in IAF

Lockheed Martin, the American aerospace and defence giant, has expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of selling its F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to India. This follows a statement from the former U.S. President indicating support for such a deal.

A Lockheed Martin spokesperson conveyed the company's eagerness to collaborate with both the U.S. and Indian governments on this significant procurement.

Should India acquire the F-35A, it would mark a historic shift in its defence strategy. Unlike other countries operating the F-35, such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and various European nations, India has never before incorporated an American fighter jet into its Air Force.

These other nations have historically utilized American aircraft like the F-16s, F/A-18s, and F-4 Phantoms. India, on the other hand, has traditionally relied on fighter jets from Russia, Europe, and its own domestic production.

This potential acquisition reflects India's long-standing approach of diversifying its defence procurements to avoid dependence on a single source. While the F-35 boasts advanced capabilities in stealth technology, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare, India will likely need to carefully consider this purchase in light of its ongoing indigenous fighter jet programs, such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and potential further acquisitions of the French Rafale jet.

If the deal proceeds, India would become the first nation to introduce the F-35 without any prior history of operating American fighter jets. This would represent a significant milestone in global military aviation and could potentially reshape the landscape of defence cooperation between India and the United States.

 

[Corben Dallas]

The F35 proposal will be a downgraded version and it is a US tool to control country sovereignty. It is useless because you will not be integrated into the US defence ecosystem, including allied. You lose 50% of the jet potential because it is built for that. You can't use it without Uncle Sam's authorization. Remember Egypt, they have F16s, they cannot use them, they must use M2000 for strike-back attacks on Libya terrorist bases. The data passes under the eyes of the USA and they can press a button for grounding the F35 fleet. Maintenance is under the control of American engineers, you can forget any hope of any kind of technology transfer. In Europe, the maintenance is done in Italy, and after in the USA. Spare parts are provided from the USA.

New generation data grid radar will decrease the furtivity efficiency of the F35. The UK wants to develop the equivalent SPECTRA (Rafale) for the F35, but that will take 10-15 years of R&D. But it is a good opportunity to study the performance jet. If you get into conflict with China or Pakistan, you cannot use the F35. The USA understands the Rafale is clearly superior to the F16, F18, F15, F22 series, they will play the last card. You will see a good fight between Rafale and F35. The Rafale F4 is coming, the F5 will integrate the TREX program with 9t M88 power and UCAV bomber dual.

 

[Kanhoji Angre]

There is a quote, "Don't burn the opportunity for temporary comfort." India should not even think of buying SU-57 and F-35. It will destroy AMCA. The US is not a reliable partner. The biggest example is the Apache deal; for the past 4 years, it has been stuck deliberately, and GE engines too.

China becomes strong because of its own platforms.E.g., how the USA slowly destroyed British defence industries, and don't forget Japan.

I know the project of AMCA is slow, but it will eventually gain more profit than what F-35 will give. Nobody knows; after Trump, if America stops spare parts to India, then F-35s will be nothing but sitting ducks.

AMCA like Tejas-Kaveri prolonged delays solely attributable to factors like our Red-Tape tagged Files loving Bureaucrats notorious for their ego and “I know all” attitude who are totally insensitive to the National requirement and urgency. Unless PM directly intervenes, AMCA when it comes after at least 20-25 years from now provided the vital Engine problem is resolved, by then Technology will progress much ahead making our hyped 5th Gen AMCA an outdated technology.

Solution : 1). Immediately HAL and GTRE with all its programmes like Tejas, AMCA and 110 KN Dry Trrust Kaveri projects Must be brought Directly under the PMO
2). Buy 4 Sqdrn India Specific variants of F35 + 6 Sqdrn SU 57E
3). Resolve 110 KN Engine issue - Build or But or Copy (the Chinese way) immediately on War footing