Washington tempts New Delhi with F-35 deal offer

 

The announcement that the United States is prepared to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to India marks a significant geopolitical and military shift in the Indo-Pacific region. If finalized, this deal would not only bolster India’s air power but also recalibrate the strategic balance among major players, including China and Pakistan.

The move is part of a broader deepening of U.S.-India defense ties, which have gained momentum over the past decade as Washington and New Delhi seek to counter China’s growing influence in Asia.

The sale of F-35s—one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world—represents a culmination of that policy shift. Historically, the U.S. has only provided F-35s to its closest allies, such as NATO members, Israel, and Japan. Offering them to India signifies Washington’s strategic commitment to strengthening India’s military capabilities.

The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to evade radar detection, conduct electronic warfare, and seamlessly integrate with networked battle management systems.

However, this potential deal raises several critical questions. First, how would India integrate the F-35 into an air force largely built around Russian-origin aircraft? The IAF’s existing infrastructure is tailored to support Sukhoi and MiG fighters, meaning significant logistical and maintenance adjustments would be required.

Moreover, India’s ongoing procurement of Rafale jets from France and its development of indigenous fighter programs like the AMCA [Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft] complicate the decision. Would New Delhi be willing to overhaul its air combat strategy to accommodate an entirely new aircraft ecosystem?

The total cost of ownership, including maintenance, pilot training, and spare parts, can be prohibitively high. Given India’s budget constraints and competing defense priorities—such as modernizing its navy and land forces—would it be financially feasible to pursue an F-35 fleet?

The geopolitical implications of the deal are just as profound. India has traditionally followed a policy of strategic autonomy, balancing its ties between the U.S., Russia, and other key players. Russia has been India’s primary arms supplier for decades, and any decision to procure F-35s could strain New Delhi’s relationship with Moscow.

China and Pakistan will also be watching this development closely. Beijing, which has been aggressively modernizing its air force with the J-20 stealth fighter, will view India’s potential acquisition of F-35s as a direct challenge to its regional air dominance.

Pakistan, India’s long-time rival, relies heavily on Chinese and American aircraft, including F-16s. If India receives the F-35, Pakistan may seek to counterbalance with additional Chinese J-31 stealth fighters or deepen its military ties with Beijing.

Providing India with F-35s aligns with Washington’s long-term goal of equipping regional allies with cutting-edge military technology to maintain stability in the region.

The prospect of the United States selling F-35 stealth fighters to India may be about more than just strengthening the Indian Air Force—it could also be part of a larger strategic effort to weaken India’s longstanding defense ties with Russia.

A key concern for Washington is the possibility of India acquiring Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter. The Su-57, though still in limited production, is Moscow’s answer to the F-35 and F-22, boasting advanced stealth features, supercruise capabilities, and a powerful weapons suite.

While India previously withdrew from the joint FGFA [Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft] project with Russia, there remains interest in the Su-57, particularly as India seeks to modernize its air force. If India were to purchase the Su-57, it would not only reinforce its defense ties with Russia but also introduce interoperability challenges with Western aircraft.

Reducing India’s dependence on Russian military hardware would also limit Russia’s leverage over New Delhi in geopolitical matters, such as India’s balancing act between Western powers and the Russia-China axis.

Ultimately, while the announcement of potential F-35 sales to India is a major development, the road to an actual deal remains complex. Key challenges—ranging from logistical hurdles and budget constraints to geopolitical ramifications—must be addressed before the sale can materialize.

If India does proceed with the purchase, it would mark a historic shift in its military doctrine and strategic alignments, solidifying its position as a top-tier global military power and deepening its ties with the United States in an increasingly volatile world order.

Bulgarian Military