The debate over India’s fighter jet procurement has intensified in recent weeks, especially after US President Donald Trump publicly pitched the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to India. However, Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh made it clear that no formal offer had been received from the US regarding the F-35s. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2025, the Air Chief underscored the need for India to carefully assess the purchase of any such aircraft, weighing key factors such as cost, operational requirements, and technological compatibility before making a decision.
Singh emphasized that while the F-35 is one of the most advanced stealth fighter jets in the world, it is also one of the most expensive, with each unit priced at approximately $80 million. Additionally, he pointed out that concerns regarding the aircraft’s performance had been flagged in a US report, suggesting that a detailed analysis would be essential before India could consider any procurement. He dismissed the idea of rushing into a decision, stating, “It’s not like a washing machine or refrigerator that we can buy just based on its looks. We have not given it a thought, and no offer has been made till now.”
Trump’s offer of the F-35 to India, made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States, is widely perceived as part of Washington’s broader strategy to reduce India’s dependence on Russian defense equipment. For decades, India has relied heavily on Russian-origin fighter jets, including the Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and MiG-21 aircraft. However, as geopolitical dynamics shift and India seeks to modernize its defense capabilities, Western military equipment—including US-made jets—is increasingly being considered as part of India’s long-term strategy.
Despite this, India remains focused on its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Singh noted that while the AMCA project is progressing, it is still in the development phase, with the first jets expected to be inducted only by 2035. In the meantime, he acknowledged that India might have to procure some fighter jets off the shelf to meet immediate security and operational needs, particularly in light of China’s rapid advancements in military aviation. China has already begun testing sixth-generation combat aircraft, a development that has raised concerns in strategic circles about India’s ability to maintain regional air superiority.
India’s fighter fleet currently consists of 30 operational squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. A standard squadron comprises 18 jets, and the shortfall has sparked concerns about India’s ability to effectively counter aerial threats, particularly in a two-front war scenario with China and Pakistan. Singh stressed that catching up with the latest aviation technology was essential for India’s defense preparedness. “It will give them an advantage. It is a cat-and-mouse game that will keep happening. Presently, we are the ones chasing new technology. We need to reach a stage where we call the shots and get such technology made in India. We need to be in a situation where the world will chase us,” he said.
Additionally, Singh addressed concerns about China’s aggressive military buildup and the US government’s recent approval of maintenance funds for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. These developments, he said, further reinforced the urgency for India to bridge the technological gap and ensure that its air force remains well-equipped and combat-ready. India has been actively seeking to modernize its aging fighter fleet. While acquisitions such as the Rafale jets from France have helped bolster capabilities, a long-term strategy is still needed to ensure the Indian Air Force remains a formidable force in the region.
The Air Chief also responded to a controversy surrounding a viral video in which he was seen firmly addressing officials from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) over delays in the delivery of Tejas fighter jets. He downplayed the issue, calling it a “friendly talk” with colleagues he had worked with for years. “It is ridiculous because somebody leaking into what you are talking about privately is wrong. I was talking to my colleagues from HAL. We have trained together. It was a friendly talk with test crew and engineers whom I have worked with,” he said. However, the incident highlighted growing frustration over the delays plaguing India’s indigenous fighter jet production program. The Tejas project, while a significant step toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing, has suffered multiple setbacks over the years, including production bottlenecks and technological challenges.
As India continues to refine its defense procurement strategy, the decision on whether to formally consider the F-35 offer, or focus exclusively on accelerating indigenous projects such as the AMCA and Tejas programs, will be a crucial one. Balancing foreign acquisitions with self-reliant development will be key in ensuring that India’s Air Force remains well-equipped to handle future challenges. The coming months are expected to see further deliberations on how India intends to strengthen its aerial combat capabilities, and whether a mix of indigenous development and foreign acquisitions will be the preferred path forward.
