Analysis Would F-35 Purchase Lock India into a US-Controlled Military System? Experiences of UK, Australia, and Israel Suggest Caution

The potential acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet by India has raised significant questions about the nation's long-term strategic autonomy.

Unlike other fighter aircraft options, the F-35 is deeply integrated into a US-controlled operational and logistical network, prompting concerns that purchasing the jet could significantly limit India's independent military capabilities.

The F-35 is not designed to be a standalone platform. Its operation relies heavily on a complex ecosystem encompassing software, data-sharing, and logistics, all under the direct control of the United States.

This means that India wouldn't merely be acquiring an aircraft; it would be integrating into a comprehensive, and potentially restrictive, American military-industrial complex.

A core element of this ecosystem is the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), currently transitioning to the Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN). This cloud-based system, managed by Lockheed Martin and the US Department of Defense, handles crucial aspects of the F-35's operation, including maintenance, mission planning, and supply chain logistics.

Close US allies, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, have experienced delays in obtaining necessary approvals through ALIS, raising red flags about the level of operational independence afforded to F-35 operators. The UK, for example, reported issues with ALIS hindering the deployment of their F-35s on the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.

Israel's experience with its customized F-35I "Adir" variant provides a further cautionary tale. Despite having greater flexibility than most operators, Israel still depends on ALIS for essential maintenance and operational tasks.

This demonstrates that even strategic partners of the US do not possess complete autonomy over the F-35's logistical support structure. If India were to purchase the F-35, it would similarly link its air force operations to American oversight.

Beyond logistics, the F-35 is tightly integrated with American weapon systems. The aircraft is primarily designed to utilize AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for beyond-visual-range engagements.

Acquiring the F-35 would necessitate India to adapt its existing missile inventory, favoring US-made armaments. In contrast to platforms like the Su-30MKI (modified to carry Indian-developed BrahMos missiles) or the Rafale (compatible with European Meteor and SCALP missiles), integrating non-NATO standard weaponry onto the F-35 requires explicit US authorization. This could significantly constrain India's ability to utilize indigenous or other foreign-sourced weapon systems.

Perhaps the most significant concern lies in the classified nature of the F-35's mission systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and flight software. These crucial elements are entirely controlled and secured by the United States.

The Indian Air Force, if operating the F-35, would be unable to fully access, modify, or upgrade the aircraft's software without Lockheed Martin's direct involvement. This dependence on US permissions extends to software updates, weapons integration, and even basic operational changes.

In a potential conflict, if the US chose to restrict certain capabilities, India would have limited options. This represents a considerable compromise of India's strategic independence, effectively transforming the F-35 from a sovereign asset into a platform operated under significant US constraints.

The F-35 is undoubtedly a technologically advanced fighter jet. However, its inherent dependence on US-controlled systems raises serious questions for India, a nation that places a high value on strategic autonomy.

Without substantial changes to the F-35's operational framework, India risks becoming entangled in a rigid, US-centric military structure, potentially undermining its own national security goals.

 

[AJS]

Well written, all very pertinent points.

On the other hand strategic autonomy has no meaning if there is no capability (and we won’t have indigenous 5th generation fighter capability for another 15 years) to counter one’s adversaries who already field dozens of 5th generation aircraft.

A hard nosed negotiation with the US will be called for. Our essential requirements would be that there be no limitations on our use of Russian air defence radars and SAMs (S400 and successors) alongside the F35; that we can network the aircraft fully with Rafale, Su 30, Tejas and our own AWACS; that there are no restrictions on using the F35 against whichever enemy we need to (I don’t think Trump will have a problem with our being able to use it against Pakistan and China); and that we can build up sufficient reserves of spares, weapons etc. with enough safeguards that we will receive timely supplies and software updates.

The lure for the US in India buying the F35 is also considerable: a long sought after entry into India’s fighter purchases, that too in substantial numbers (potentially 6 squadrons for the air force plus several units for India’s two aircraft carriers) - maybe 150 units in all. We also have some leverage in the trade negotiations where reducing the huge trade surplus India enjoys via a vis the US is a major goal for Trump. We need not feel so disadvantaged.

It’s also worth remembering that the Indian armed forces have already been dealing with these logistical and operational dependencies on the US, what with the P8 LRMR aircraft, the NH60, Apache and Chinook helicopters, the C17 and C130 transport planes and Predator / Sea Guardian drones.

We have to embrace the challenges that come with working alongside other nations and look at the advantage that the best military technology confers, and always maintain our readiness to face threats.

 

[sanket]

F-35 is a more conventional fighter jet under the control of the US. Neither local production nor a customized variant with autonomy of weapons integration is going to be allowed. Meteor, at the moment, is the best BVR missile, but it is missing on the US F-35.

 

[Bhishma]

We will have to get permission from US to fly this thing. During war, they can easily block us from deploying against Pakistan. So we would have wasted our money for expensive toys that can be only used for air shows.

F35 is just an extension of American geopolitics. They get to decide who we fly this against.

 

[beencensured]

Yes, this is a major issue that programming required for the F35. Second, use of local weapons, customization and integration in the network. Certainly, Pakistanis are sh!tting everywhere hearing Trump's offer.

 

[Rajesh]

India has two types of enemies, so we must have two types of 5th-gen fighters: F-35 for Terroristan and Made-in-India Su-57E-based PMF to deal with Communist China!

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

There will be so many strings attached with this jet that the IAF will feel like they have taken this jet on rent. Buy something which we can upgrade or modify later according to our needs.

 

[Akhil]

Turkey was kicked off the F35 program after signing a deal for the S400. They have almost never used them. We not only have them, we also use them. We use the S300. We want the S500.

India will go for expensive US drones. Balance it with a few Russian Su-57s until we have the AMCA. We WILL need to go for the Su-57, otherwise, Pakistan will field two Gen 5 jets while we have none till the AMCA.

 

[Rohit Vimalnath]

This sheds new light on the true value of the F-35 jets. If so many restrictions are being imposed, these fighters are bound to become an Achilles' heel rather than the tip of the sword in our arsenal. Strategic autonomy has indeed got to be a priority.

Unless the US is willing to make serious concessions in terms of operational independence and a move towards an open-source platform, we would be best served by severely limiting the purchases, perhaps to mid-high single digits initially.

Attempt to integrate them into our range of offerings and work with the US to achieve the above-stated goals over a period of time. If they appear to become more lenient, move forward with the next batch of purchases, and so on.

India cannot afford to be dictated terms as specific as the mode and manner of operations of its most valuable air assets. This has to be looked at as a plain trade for defense goods, without the underlying conditions attached.

 

[Arz786]

F-35 has lots of strings attached. But at the same time, it is the second-best aircraft in the world (after F-22). A compromise needs to be struck. Maybe we can buy 2-3 squadrons and insist upon the Israeli model to gain some control over it. But we still should retain the option to consider local assembly of the Su-57 (please let us not call it local manufacturing. Local manufacturing can only happen for aircraft that are designed and developed by you, not others). With every passing month, Rafale's attractiveness is going down. It is a shame because the Rafale ecosystem is already in place.

 

[Dredd]

We will have to get permission from US to fly this thing. During war, they can easily block us from deploying against Pakistan. So we would have wasted our money for expensive toys that can be only used for air shows.

F35 is just an extension of American geopolitics. They get to decide who we fly this against.

Can you name one possible conflict where the USA and India would be in opposing camps? Pakistan was out of favor with the Western world long ago. China is an even bigger threat to them than Russia. The apprehension we have for the F-35 is unjustified.

 

[Taus Melek]

Come on guys, you know the Indian government and the airforce would love to have this bird, except the US has not formally made the offer.

From the way this article reads, I think IAF/source does not want India to acquire this aircraft.

 

[Anant]

India has two types of enemies, so we must have two types of 5th-gen fighters: F-35 for Terroristan and Made-in-India Su-57E-based PMF to deal with Communist China!

There is no question of having both the F-35 and the Su-57. Not happening. If and once we get one type, the other is practically locked out. It is one or the other or neither.

 

[T.Rajesh]

We should, if at all, buy this fighter plane not to suit Mr. Trump's economic, domestic, and strategic interests, but for our strategic interest only. I think our PM's US trip was a huge mistake, as it gave Trump leeway to bully us and force us to buy them. Also, India was sleeping with its own indigenous 5th generation programme, and that is why we were caught napping. So, as a stop-gap arrangement, it would be far better to buy SU-57s if there are no strings attached, as seen in the US deal.

 

[मित्र]

Can you name one possible conflict where the USA and India would be in opposing camps? Pakistan was out of favor with the Western world long ago. China is an even bigger threat to them than Russia. The apprehension we have for the F-35 is unjustified.

They will never allow India to attack Pak! Mark my words! Only exception can be Trump, but he is not PERMANENT!

 

[मित्र]

Don't go for F-35 at all!!

Go for Su-57 with engine tech as a stop-gap solution!!

We don't need EXPENSIVE TOYS for showoff but weapons/platforms that we can use with autonomy.

 

[Bks kumar]

If even pressing just a button in the F35 jet needs approval from the US, it means physically the aircraft will be with India, but entire cockpit control will be with the US. Who needs this machine for India?

 

[Phantom]

Another thing is LINK 16, which shares mission data, picture, and video of terrain and targets to all other assets in the same network: other US-made fighter jets, AEW&C platforms, helicopters, ships, submarines, and others that we don't have. So, we can't effectively make full use of the F-35 unless we have the complete ecosystem. They should take all this into consideration in decision-making.

 

[Bhishma]

Pakistan was out of favor with the Western world long ago.

Not true. They got rid of Imran Khan and executed a regime change. If India surpasses China, they will use China against India. Remember in the 1971 war, they tried to use China against India. They executed regime change in BD. India will be their darling till we are weak. Once they see India growing beyond a threshold they will destroy us. They finished off Japan. Economically they finished off China. Right now they need us to militarily go against China. These people are permanent nuisance. Putin rightly asked in the Tucker Carlson interview, "dont you people have anything better to do?".

 

[Venugopal Kesavan]

What is 'Operational Autonomy'? Becoming sitting ducks for Chinese and Pakistani jets? The author would still be writing such articles even after the country is mauled by our enemies. Understandable. If autonomy were the only criterion, then how come our distinguished space scientists had to go to France and the Soviet Union seeking studies of cryogenic engines? What is required of the day and situation should alone be paramount. In every field, this is relevant.

 

[Dredd]

They will never allow India to attack Pak! Mark my words! Only exception can be Trump, but he is not PERMANENT!

Allow how? Of course, if you do unilateral attacks, the world will oppose and possibly sanction as well. But if India keeps its goals to just GB and POK, then it can be managed.

I don't think there will be an attack initiated by India under any govt. unless there is a catalyst factor like civil war in Pakistan or a major terrorist attack on India.