New Delhi: India has clarified its position on two major fifth-generation fighter aircraft options as the debate over its future air power continues. Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has confirmed that the United States has made no formal offer to sell the F-35 stealth fighter to India. He also said that the government has not taken a final decision on Russia’s Su-57 fighter proposal.
The statements came during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where American F-35A fighters participated alongside aircraft from several partner countries. The development highlights India’s focus on strengthening its air force while protecting its strategic independence.
US Has Not Made A Formal F-35 Offer To India
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh clarified that India has not received an official American offer to purchase the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.
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His remarks came during a press conference at the conclusion of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026. The event brought Indian and foreign air forces together for joint training and operational cooperation.
When asked about the possibility of buying the F-35, the IAF chief made a pointed remark about the limited access Indian personnel had received to the American aircraft.
He said that American personnel did not even allow Indian personnel to approach the aircraft freely, while discussions about selling it to India continued. The comment highlighted an important issue in defence procurement: buying an advanced fighter is not only about receiving the aircraft. Access to technology, maintenance, training, weapons and operational systems can also matter.
India US F35 Deal: F-35 Fighters Participated In Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026
The US F-35A Lightning II made its first appearance in an Indian military exercise during Tarang Shakti 2026. The multinational exercise was hosted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It brought together aircraft and personnel from India and several friendly foreign countries. The exercise included participation from countries such as the United States, France, Germany, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The main objective was to improve cooperation, operational coordination and the ability of participating air forces to work together in complex missions. However, participation in a joint exercise does not automatically mean that India will purchase the aircraft involved. The F-35’s appearance provided an opportunity to observe and train alongside the fighter, but it did not confirm any future procurement deal.
Why India US F35 Deal Is Not Straightforward
The F-35 is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter developed by the United States. It combines low-observable design, advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems and the ability to share information with other platforms.
These features make it attractive to countries seeking advanced combat capabilities. However, operating such an aircraft also involves questions about cost, long-term support, weapons integration and access to sensitive technology.
For India, the key issue would be whether any potential agreement offers enough operational freedom and technological access to meet the country’s requirements.
India would also need to consider how a foreign fighter would fit into its existing fleet and long-term plans for developing domestic combat aircraft.
Russia’s Su-57 Fighter Remains Under Consideration
While the United States has not made a formal F-35 offer, Russia has reportedly proposed its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter to India.
Air Chief Marshal Singh indicated that the Indian government had not yet made a final decision on the Russian proposal. This means the Su-57 remains a possible option under consideration rather than a confirmed purchase.
The Su-57 is designed for air superiority and multirole missions. It combines stealth-related features with supersonic performance, advanced sensors and the ability to carry a range of weapons.
A potential acquisition could give the IAF access to a foreign fifth-generation fighter while India’s own advanced aircraft programme continues to develop. However, any decision would require careful assessment of operational performance, costs, technology transfer, maintenance requirements and compatibility with Indian systems.
Su-57 Vs F-35: What Could Matter For India
The F-35 and Su-57 represent different approaches to fifth-generation fighter design. Both are intended to operate in highly contested airspace, but they have different technical features, support arrangements and operating ecosystems.
For India, the decision would not simply be about choosing which aircraft appears more advanced. The IAF would need to examine how each fighter supports India’s specific operational needs. Important factors would include:
- Stealth And Survivability: How effectively the aircraft can reduce detection and survive against modern air defence systems.
- Sensors And Data Sharing: How well the fighter gathers information and works with other aircraft and ground-based systems.
- Weapons Integration: Whether available weapons meet Indian operational requirements.
- Technology Transfer: How much technical knowledge and industrial participation India could receive.
- Maintenance And Availability: The cost and complexity of keeping the aircraft ready for operations.
- Strategic Independence: Whether India can operate and maintain the platform without excessive dependence on foreign restrictions.
No confirmed procurement decision has established a winner between the two aircraft for the IAF.
India US F35 Deal: India’s AMCA Programme Remains A Major Priority
India is developing its own fifth-generation fighter under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The programme aims to strengthen India’s ability to design and produce advanced combat aircraft domestically. It is also part of the country’s wider effort to reduce dependence on foreign defence suppliers.
Developing a fifth-generation fighter is a complex task involving stealth design, advanced avionics, powerful engines, sensor integration and modern weapons. The programme will take time, making the management of India’s future fighter requirements an important challenge for the IAF.
A foreign aircraft could potentially provide an interim capability if the service identifies a suitable requirement. However, any such acquisition would need to be assessed against the cost, timeline and strategic value of accelerating domestic development.
Why Technology Transfer And Operational Freedom Matter
The F-35 discussion highlights the importance of access to technology in modern defence partnerships.
A fighter aircraft is part of a wider system involving mission planning, software, weapons, maintenance equipment, training and technical support. Restrictions in these areas can affect how freely a country operates the aircraft.
India has consistently sought greater domestic participation in defence production and technology development. Any major fighter agreement would therefore need to be evaluated against these objectives.
Technology transfer, local manufacturing, maintenance independence and integration with Indian systems could be as important as the aircraft’s flight performance.
FAQs
India has not announced a final decision on Russia’s Su-57 proposal. The aircraft remains a possible option under consideration, rather than a confirmed purchase.
No. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said that the United States had not made a formal offer to sell the F-35 stealth fighter to India.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s programme to develop an indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft. It aims to strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign combat aircraft.
