US Under Trump May Grant NATO-Like Status for India to Ease Arms Export Restrictions, Paving Way for F-35 Acquisition to Counter China

The US President Trump is reportedly considering granting India a status equivalent to NATO allies in terms of arms procurement, according to defense analysts. This move could significantly streamline the process for India to acquire advanced American weaponry, potentially including the F-35 fighter jet.

Such a policy shift would mean India would face fewer bureaucratic hurdles and licensing delays when purchasing US military equipment. This could expedite the acquisition of cutting-edge technology, eliminating the need to first purchase less advanced platforms.

For the Indian Air Force (IAF), this could represent a significant opportunity to modernize its aging fleet. Access to the F-35A Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, would bolster India's air superiority and strategic deterrence capabilities in the region.

Historically, India's access to US defence technology has been restricted by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Granting NATO-like status would effectively bypass these regulations, facilitating smoother arms transfers.

This potential move is widely seen as part of a broader US strategy to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. A stronger Indian military is viewed as a key element in this strategy.

However, no concrete deals or timelines have been confirmed. The implementation of this policy would depend on various political factors both in the US and India.

For India, this could mean not only enhanced military capabilities but also potential opportunities for co-production and technology sharing, boosting its domestic defense industry.

Acquiring advanced platforms like the F-35A would also entail significant financial considerations, including the cost of maintenance and long-term support. These factors would need careful consideration in India's defense budget planning.

 

[sanket]

But now NATO, which mostly comprises European nations, is developing its own defence platforms: Tempest, FCAS, EURODRONE, etc. Apart from the aero-engine, what can the US offer? That too would be developed with a foreign partner from Europe - RR or Safran. The F-21 and F-15Ex should first meet the criteria, then all the formalities. I don't think it will beat Eurofighter and Rafale in tech parameters.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Procuring F35 will be like shooting yourself.

 

[desigandu]

Doable if Bharat dangles $ and lobbies hard, can get the F35A, at least 50 in flyaway condition!

 

[Radha Ramanan]

When $20 billion are on the table, chances are Trump will reach out to India for the F-35 sale. But the S-400 system will have to be compromised; that will be the condition. Actually, in Indian service, the S-400 is mainly used for ABM and anti-AWACS type roles. The S-400 can do nothing if the enemy comes in low-level up to 50 km, which is the norm in the India-Pakistan scenario. We have many other SAMs catering to low and medium-level threats. Israel easily destroyed S-300 systems in Iran with jamming and long-range LORA and Rampage strikes.

 

[kumar]

And what happens if in next election, left returns to power in US. We are already begging for f404 engines and our defence preparedness is getting affected. Imagine, this scenario. We will have to bend over backwards daily.

 

[Kira]

It's true that Trump will indeed prioritize defence and energy deals with India to balance trade ties just as he had done in his first term with the inclusion of India in restricted items trade list.

 

[Scooter2000]

Procuring F35 will be like shooting yourself.

"Absurd" Acquiring the F-35 would give India "Air Superiority" over China / Pakistan. Do you care to name another type available to India that could do the same.

 

[Scooter2000]

It's true that Trump will indeed prioritize defence and energy deals with India to balance trade ties just as he had done in his first term with the inclusion of India in restricted items trade list.

The Indian / US Relationship is beneficial to both nations....it's just the rest of the world that doesn't like it. Especially, China, Iran. North Korea, Pakistan, and Russia.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

"Absurd" Acquiring the F-35 would give India "Air Superiority" over China / Pakistan. Do you care to name another type available to India that could do the same.

It may be technologically superior but we will have to dance to USA's tunes.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

"Absurd" Acquiring the F-35 would give India "Air Superiority" over China / Pakistan. Do you care to name another type available to India that could do the same.

Large number of our fighter jets will be dependent on USA's engines. Don't keep all your eggs in one basket. USA has sanctioned us many times, we must not forget that fact.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

I knew it, Trumpji will help Bharat in every way as I've been telling you. F35s will be offered to Bharat in April when Teumpji visits Bharat.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

It may be technologically superior but we will have to dance to USA's tunes.

We already are. We stopped buying oil from Iran in 2019 under US pressure though trade was in INR.

 

[PKPRS]

"Absurd" Acquiring the F-35 would give India "Air Superiority" over China / Pakistan. Do you care to name another type available to India that could do the same.

where are we sending our S-400’s and Voronezh’s then, getting F35 is only a dream, may be LM might help with AMCA like how it helps South Korean KAI KF-21 Boromae, if we buy jets (the jet most of the members of this forum love) from them.