Russian Think Tank Raises Concerns Over Potential "Backdoors" in US Fighter Jets Offered to India

Amidst ongoing discussions regarding potential U.S. sales of F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to India, a Russian think tank has voiced concerns about possible vulnerabilities in the avionics systems of these aircraft.

The Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT), an independent research organization based in Moscow, published an article on the Russian defence portal Oborona.ru cautioning that these aircraft might contain intentionally inserted "backdoors" within their electronic systems.

According to CAWAT's director, Igor Korotchenko, these backdoors could be exploited remotely to disable critical combat functionalities, rendering the fighter jets incapable of carrying out missions during critical operations, particularly in scenarios where the interests of the manufacturing country clash with those of the buyer.

These concerns arise as India evaluates its future fighter fleet under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. While the U.S. has actively promoted the F-16, rebranded as the F-21, and hinted at the possibility of F-35 sales, such allegations of compromised avionics could influence India's procurement decisions.

While CAWAT's warning is speculative, it is not unheard of for defence manufacturers to incorporate restrictive technologies or "kill switches" in their exports. Historically, concerns have been raised about such mechanisms in military equipment from various nations. However, major defence manufacturers like the U.S. firmly deny such practices, citing robust security protocols and adherence to international defence agreements.

The Indian government faces a complex decision. It must carefully weigh these concerns as it seeks new fighter jets to modernize its aging fleet. The potential for vulnerabilities in advanced systems like the F-21 or F-35 could strengthen the argument for increased investment in indigenous platforms such as the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs.

 

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[PARTHAJIT JANA]

Russia is desperate. Any of fheir fighter jets wont be sold in India anymore.

 

[GolGappa]

They are right that if we are buying the F-21, it will surely have a kill switch. But do we have any options left? Yes, newer F-16s are good jets, but India is desperate to buy jets from the US. The US will also delay deliveries multiple times, twisting India's hands to complete various interests.

 

[sanket]

First, Rafale is a strong contender for MRFA. Second, the IAF is interested in twin-engine medium-category fighter jets. Third, the F-21 prototype does not exist. Fourth, the F-21 exists only in video, and the US expects to win by showing a video based on parameters. But it is like selling dreams. F-16s haven't been seen in the Ukraine sky after one incident where it was falling from the sky. It has the least chance to win the MRFA. The US is already delaying delivery of the GE-404 engine.

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

Same is true about hi-tech Russian weapons like S-300/400. Even if the S-400 system is operated by Turkey or India, Russia could still potentially access sensitive information on the F-35 through various means, as pointed out by the US:

Technical Possibilities

• Data transmission: Russia could potentially design the S-400 system to transmit data back to Russia in real-time, allowing them to access and analyze F-35 information.
• Backdoor access: Russia might have built a backdoor into the S-400 system, enabling them to remotely access and control the system, including data collection.

Cybersecurity Risks

• Network exploitation: Russia could potentially exploit vulnerabilities in the S-400 system's network architecture to gain access to F-35 information.
• Malware insertion: Russia might have inserted malware into the S-400 system, which could allow them to remotely access and control the system.

There is a high probability that malware is definitely present.

 

[Shashank Singh]

I mean I get it they are desperate to sell it but I heard once f16 sold to Australian Navy were not able to lock on Chinese vessel..

 

[potka11]

Russia is desperate. Any of fheir fighter jets wont be sold in India anymore.

Preposterous assumption on your part without justifiable inputs !

 

[Harsh]

If you can allege that all Russian military exports are compromised by nefarious vulnerabilities, it should be reasonable to assume that alleger (and China) are capable of the same. In the age of stealth, AI, microchips, quantum technologies you've got to do your own thing.

 

[kinzelle]

India can't make own hardware, lick their feet, killswitch or not

 

[vikrant rao]

If you can allege that all Russian military exports are compromised by nefarious vulnerabilities, it should be reasonable to assume that alleger (and China) are capable of the same. In the age of stealth, AI, microchips, quantum technologies you've got to do your own thing.

Unlikely because if the Russians do this they will lose their defence market which they depends on whereas have you ever heard of the US abiding by international agreements?? They own the ICC, ICJ, WTO, IMF, WB, UNSC OPCW, EU,... and the entire media & Silicon Valley! They know they can get away with anything!

 

[vikrant rao]

The Russians have a point.

Have we already forgotten how the US sold India defective GPS devices during Kargil!? It was the Russians who gave us GLOBASS devices to enable our aircraft to bomb the peaks accurately and for artillery to aim precisely! India has already shown the US that it will do what is right for India's interests aka exercise strategic autonomy. So, they would not feel comfortable letting India get precious tech without safeguards. We also know that the US can get away with anything They violate international agreements at will! What will happen if it is shown circumstantially there could be a kill switch. In US avionics does anyone believe Silicon Valley, world's media will investigate it?? Which court in the land will hold the US responsible for anything?? They can get away with invading countries, spying on allies, their own citizens, supporting a genocide, breaking agreements etc! This is probably exactly what the US will do to India.

 

[Atharv Vaidya]

Do they care about us? answer is no..
India is a big market and everybody wants to be a part of it and control it.
IAF isn't interested in Russian jets under MRFA and chances of large order of su57 or co development of su75 is far low ...
f21 don't have any chance. Only Rafale, Girpin, f-15, eurofighter are real options for IAF ..

 

[T.Rajesh]

I would suggest buying aircrafts from countries that don't have major global geo-pplitical interest. Meanwhile, India should accelerate its own program for 5th and even 6th generation fighters.