The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is one of the most advanced multirole stealth fighter jets in the world. It boasts cutting-edge technology, including stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and network-centric warfare features. The F-35 is designed to perform a variety of missions, from air superiority to ground attack and intelligence gathering.
During a recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the United States’ willingness to sell F-35 fighter jets to India (a move likely intended to prevent India from acquiring Russia’s Su-57).
This announcement marks a significant improvement in the defense relationship between the two countries, which has been growing stronger over the past few years.
The deal is expected to follow a government-to-government (G2G) mode, similar to India’s acquisition of Rafale jets from France.
Will the F-35 Fly for India?
While the announcement is a significant development, the actual acquisition of F-35s by India is not guaranteed and there are several hurdles which could influence India’s decision.
The F-35 is one of the most expensive fighter jets in the world, with each aircraft costing over $80 million. Additionally, the maintenance and operational costs are substantial. India will need to carefully evaluate its defense budget and prioritize its spending to accommodate such a significant investment.
The fighter requires advanced infrastructure, including specialized maintenance facilities and trained personnel. India may need to develop or upgrade its existing infrastructure to support the operation of these advanced jets.
India’s defense procurement decisions are influenced by its geopolitical relationships. Historically, India has maintained a delicate balance between major powers, including the United States, Russia, and France. Acquiring F-35s could impact India’s relations with Russia, which has been a key defense partner. Additionally, the U.S. has strict end-user conditions that may conflict with India’s operational autonomy.
India has been pushing for greater technology transfer and self-reliance in defense manufacturing through its “Make in India” initiative. The extent of technology transfer associated with the F-35 deal will be a critical factor in India’s decision-making process.
Integrating the F-35 into the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet, which currently includes Russian, French, and indigenous aircraft, could pose logistical and technical challenges.
The IAF will need to ensure that the F-35 can operate seamlessly with its existing systems and doctrines.
The acquisition of F-35s could, however, have negative implications for India’s indigenous defense programs, such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. India has invested significant resources in developing its own fifth-generation fighter, and the introduction of F-35s could potentially divert attention and resources away from these indigenous efforts.
The F-35 Could Spell Big Trouble for Pakistan and China
The acquisition of F-35s by India would have significant regional implications, particularly in the context of its relationships with China and Pakistan.
The F-35’s advanced capabilities would significantly enhance India’s air power and provide it with a technological edge over its regional adversaries.
The stealth features and advanced sensors of the fighter would improve India’s ability to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes.
China’s rapid military modernization, including the development of its own stealth fighter, the J-20, has been a cause for concern for India. Acquiring F-35s would bolster India’s deterrence capabilities and provide a counterbalance to China’s growing air power.
Pakistan is likely to view India’s acquisition of F-35s as a significant threat to its security. This could lead to an arms race in the region, with Pakistan seeking to acquire advanced military technology to counterbalance India’s capabilities.
The introduction of F-35s could also exacerbate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
While the fighter deal would strengthen India’s defense ties with the United States, it could also draw India deeper into the U.S. sphere of influence. This may impact India’s strategic autonomy and its ability to maintain an independent foreign policy.
India will need to carefully navigate its relationships with other major powers, including Russia and China, to avoid being perceived as aligning too closely with the U.S.
India has a Tough Call to Make
The potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to India represents a significant development in the defense relationship between the United States and India. While the deal offers numerous advantages, including enhanced air power and deterrence capabilities, it also presents several challenges and considerations.
India will need to carefully evaluate the cost, infrastructure requirements, geopolitical implications, and impact on its indigenous defense programs before making a decision.
The fighter question is far larger than the jet itself, it’s about where India decides to position itself on the geopolitical alignment map.
The regional implications of such a deal are profound, with potential effects on India’s relationships with China and Pakistan, as well as its strategic autonomy.
As India continues to modernize its military and strengthen its defense capabilities, the decision to acquire F-35s will be a critical one that shapes the future of its defense strategy and regional security dynamics.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
