F-35 for India: Strategic Advantage or Just a Stopgap for AMCA?
- India International Affairs North America South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 7 minutes read
India has put forth specific conditions for procuring the F-35 fighter jets from the United States, ensuring that any agreement aligns with national interests and strategic goals. This proposed deal could place India among the top buyers of advanced aircraft, but it raises critical questions regarding cost, technological collaborations, and India’s long-term defence plans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of India’s conditions, the U.S. response, and the broader implications of the agreement.
India’s Key Conditions for the F-35 Deal
- Government-to-Government Transaction: India has proposed that the deal be signed directly between the Government of India and the U.S. Government rather than with Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35. If India does enter a contract with Lockheed Martin, it has demanded that the pricing of the aircraft be the same as what the U.S. government pays, ensuring there is no inflated cost.
- Temporary Solution Until AMCA is Ready: India views the F-35 purchase as a stopgap measure, not a long-term reliance. The indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is scheduled to deliver India’s own fifth-generation stealth fighter by 2026-2027. Until then, India wants to bolster its air force with the F-35s while prioritizing domestic manufacturing for future needs.
The U.S. has accepted India’s conditions and has even offered an additional incentive: the possibility of establishing a Final Assembly and Checkout (FACO) facility in India. FACO Plant in India: This means U.S. engineers could assist in manufacturing the F-35 within India, akin to an existing agreement India has with Russia for joint production of defence equipment. Lockheed Martin’s Engagement: Company representatives are scheduled to visit India to meet with defence officials and discuss further technical and strategic details. If the deal is signed, India would join an elite list of countries operating the F-35. Some of the biggest procurement agreements for the aircraft include: Japan-147 units, Australia-100 units, Italy-110 units, and India’s Proposal-110 units (potentially making it one of the largest purchases). This would significantly enhance India’s aerial capabilities and place it among the top global operators of the F-35.
While the F-35 is a proven fifth-generation stealth fighter, India must weigh its cost against alternatives like the Russian Sukhoi Su-57.
- F-35 (USA) has an estimated $80-100 million Cost per Unit, Advanced stealth, and superior avionics but is limited, though FACO could help.
- Su-57 (Russia) has an estimated $35-40 million Lower stealth than F-35 but, strong manoeuvrability and has a higher potential for joint production.
While the F-35 offers better stealth and networked warfare capabilities, the Su-57 provides a more affordable option with greater room for indigenous production under India’s “Make in India” initiative. Given India’s longstanding defence ties with Russia, procuring Su-57 fighters could be a cost-effective alternative with more flexibility for technology transfer. Russia has already offered co-production deals in the past, which might align better with India’s vision for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
India has historically faced uncertainty and delays in defence cooperation with the U.S., particularly concerning critical technologies:
- Tejas Mk2 Engine Issues: The indigenous Tejas Mk2 fighter jet project faced delays due to the U.S. denying India access to GE F414 engine technology. India was forced to explore alternatives, leading to setbacks in its domestic fighter program.
- Dependency on Spare Parts: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on past allies, raising concerns that India could face supply chain disruptions in case of geopolitical conflicts.
- Technology Transfer Limitations: Unlike Russia, which has been more open to co-development, the U.S. is cautious about transferring sensitive military technology.
Strategic Considerations for India
- Pros of F-35 Deal: Access to cutting-edge stealth technology, Strengthening India-U.S. strategic ties, FACO facility could boost India’s defence industry
- Cons of F-35 Deal: High cost per unit, Limited scope for technology transfer, Risk of U.S. sanctions affecting long-term operations.
- Pros of Su-57 Deal: Lower cost and more aircraft for the same budget, Greater chances of technology transfer and co-development, and Continuation of India-Russia defence cooperation.
- Cons of Su-57 Deal: Stealth capabilities may not match the F-35, Delayed production timeline of the Su-57, Lack of integration with Western defence systems.
India’s decision will not just be about fighter jets, but also about long-term geopolitical alliances. While the F-35 brings unmatched stealth and technology, the Su-57 offers affordability and strategic autonomy.
With AMCA set to be ready by 2026-27, India must ensure that any foreign purchase remains a short-term solution rather than a long-term dependency. Whether India finalizes the F-35 deal with the U.S. or explores a better agreement with Russia, the nation’s priority must remain on developing its own Indigenous fighter fleet for a self-reliant future in defence.
