US May Push F-35 to Prevent India from Su-57 Procurement and Potentially Countering Pakistani J-35A, Says US Analyst

The evolving aerial power dynamics in South Asia are prompting the United States to consider bold strategies.

According to Dr Marcus Hale, a senior strategist at the Institute for Strategic Air Studies, Washington is highly motivated to present India with the Lockheed Martin F-35A.

The primary objective of this diplomatic push is to steer New Delhi away from purchasing Russia’s advanced Su-57E stealth fighter.

This urgency from the US is largely driven by reports surrounding Pakistan's ambitions to acquire China’s Shenyang J-35A fifth-generation stealth aircraft.

If Islamabad successfully integrates these advanced jets alongside Beijing's own growing stealth fleet, the regional balance of power could significantly shift against India.

Although Pakistan's defence minister publicly dismissed these acquisition rumours as "media chatter" in mid-2025, defence experts note that the country has already inducted Chinese J-10CE fighters and remains highly focused on upgrading its stealth capabilities.

Fearing that India might respond to this regional threat by turning to Moscow, US analysts believe Washington is eager to offer an American alternative.

To counter Russia's influence, the US positioned the F-35 as a premium option. President Donald Trump brought the proposal to the forefront during diplomatic meetings in early 2025, suggesting the stealth fighter could be part of a larger surge in military cooperation.

However, recent open-source information indicates that India has formally communicated its disinterest in the F-35. New Delhi reportedly cited the aircraft's exorbitant maintenance costs and the lack of comprehensive technology transfer as major dealbreakers.

Instead, India is heavily prioritising its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, having recently shortlisted private Indian consortia to begin building prototypes.

A significant technical obstacle to any F-35 deal has always been India’s operational reliance on the Russian S-400 air defence system. American officials fear that operating F-35s in the same airspace as S-400 radars could expose the jet's classified stealth characteristics to Moscow.

While the US considered proposing restricted deployment zones to solve this issue, Russia has aggressively countered with a highly attractive deal.

During the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, Moscow offered India full, unrestricted technology transfer and licensed production for the Su-57. This proposal promises local manufacturing of critical components like engines and radars, which directly aligns with India's manufacturing goals.

For the Indian public and military planners, acquiring a fifth-generation fighter is a monumental and complex decision.

The Indian Air Force must carefully balance its historical dependence on Russian hardware, the advanced capabilities of Western platforms, and the accelerating push for domestic manufacturing.

Whichever path New Delhi chooses, it will dictate the nation's financial commitments, strategic alliances, and air superiority for decades to come.

 

Indian Army Highlights Cutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence Innovations at the Global AI Impact Summit 2026

Goa Maritime Conclave Concludes with Fifteen Nations Pledging Unified Defence Against Transnational Maritime Security Threats

[Job]

Well if we have the spine to bargain, we should not accept any US defence equipment particularly aircraft. Their products can spook us anytime. We should show some guts.

 

[pankaj a]

SU 57 is fine. Don't get into the trap being laid.

 

[Madan]

Americans are known for their blackmailing tactics which ever country it may be. India must not fall into their trap. Look at the fate of 404 engine. Some in India are obsessed with F 35 but the US blackmails will make it null when required for action or obey their dictates. Donald Duck is the clear example of things in the future. SU 57 Although may not be in the class of F 35 but is better suited for us after our customisation. Already HAL is going to sign another deal with GE for 414 engine inspite of burning its hands in 404 engine. Don't be dumb like HAL.

 

[Muks]

Yeah sure. All the US has to do to make sure India does not buy the SU-57, are just three things.

First : provide the full source code.

Two : offer a deal with lesser life cycle cost than the Rafale. With 1000+ F-35s already on order, this should be a breeze.

Three : Allow us to manufacture in India with at least 60% indigenous content, just as Dassault is offering for the Rafale.

If these three are on offer, it would be an excellent deal. Otherwise, it is a DEAD offer.

 

[Tusar]

It will always be a machine with remote control in US!!

 

[Muks]

It will always be a machine with remote control in US!!

Not if the three conditions mentioned above by me are met.😇😁

 

[Virochana]

We Bharat should stay away from the F35, the Su57 is streets ahead of F35 in performance. Also F35 has lot of crashes. It also shot down by friendly fire many times, and falling into the sea. There was the case of a F35 which intruded into Bharat's airspace, later requested emergency landing. It took all thd techs and engineers from their Airforce and Lockheed Martin 35 days to make it fly again! During a war situation I do not think our enemies will allow so much time to repair. Hope good sense prevail and we get a 100 Su57 instead of the puny Frenchie. Jai Hind!

 

[paul0998]

Su57 is not Stealth
F35 and chinease soon Pak ,J35 will see our Su57 way before we see them.

 

[Muks]

Su57 is not Stealth
F35 and chinease soon Pak ,J35 will see our Su57 way before we see them.

As I have said before, all round low observabilty is a bit over rated. What one needs is frontal low observability. One needs that to get in close enough to launch the weapons, turn around and rely more on good old Mr After burner. Hit Mach 1.5, and very few repeat very few AD missiles in the world can ever catch up unless the start point of the chase is within a couple of kms. In which case they should have been taken out earlier. To me the biggest limitation of the F-35, is its lack of ability to physically run away from a clash. Imagine a situation where stealth has has been compromised somewhat either physically, or electronically. Would rather be in an F-35 cockpit or in a Su-57 cockpit??

 

[paul0998]

As I have said before, all round low observabilty is a bit over rated. What one needs is frontal low observability. One needs that to get in close enough to launch the weapons, turn around and rely more on good old Mr After burner. Hit Mach 1.5, and very few repeat very few AD missiles in the world can ever catch up unless the start point of the chase is within a couple of kms. In which case they should have been taken out earlier. To me the biggest limitation of the F-35, is its lack of ability to physically run away from a clash. Imagine a situation where stealth has has been compromised somewhat either physically, or electronically. Would rather be in an F-35 cockpit or in a Su-57 cockpit??

But the experts say the su57 is about the level of F18 super hornet
And F35 or J20/35 will see it five times quicker sooner

 

[paul0998]

But I also hear that India wants mark 2 version of Su57 new engines and new rear flat shaped nozzle system to reduce Rcs and Indian Aesa and Ew suites
That would be awesome

 

[Muks]

But the experts say the su57 is about the level of F18 super hornet
And F35 or J20/35 will see it five times quicker sooner

Sure. Why do I get a feeling that all those EGGSPURTS have enjoyed LockMart hospitality sometime or the other.

Let me put this in context for you. Every gen V fighter design, irrespective of origin remains a highly secretive project. Official ( true) figures are never given out, not during design, not while in service.

What all these EGGSPURTS tell you is from conjecture and what they can physically see. They have NIL data to accurately estimate anything. So if you listen to a chinese EGGSPURT, the J-20 and J-35 are ahead in stealth than even the B-2 & YF-23. A Russian one will tell you the SU-57 is the next best thing after sliced bread, the American ( western) guy will tell you that god the F-35 with manna from heaven, before sending it down to the LockMart factory. I hope you understand what I am saying. It is all about Marketing.

By the way, I spent 35 years in this business, and I still call myself a student, forget about being an expert. Dont believe everything you read in the Brochures and glossies. The real experts who know ( the varios AF guys), never let it out.

 

[Muks]

But I also hear that India wants mark 2 version of Su57 new engines and new rear flat shaped nozzle system to reduce Rcs and Indian Aesa and Ew suites
That would be awesome

India, specifically the IAF knows exactly what it wants. The savvy of the IAF guys is well known to other Air Forces. Those that exercise with the IAF and those that are at the receiving end of their wrath.

The IAFcreated the Su-30MKI, the best in the world when it was created except may be the F-22. So if the SU-57 comes out in an avataar that you describe, my only advice to the opposition would be to run when you can. It will be a fearsome beast.