The United States recently approved a $5.6 billion sale of 24 Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to the Czech Republic. Weaponry and spare parts are included in this bundle. In addition, the Czech Republic will get 25 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines to help NATO missions. This fifth-generation fighter was chosen by the Czech Air Force over the Lockheed F-16 and the Saab Gripen JAS 39 fighters.
Similarly, Israel intends to buy 25 more F-35 stealth fighters in a $3 billion contract. This brings Israel’s F-35 fleet to 75. The money for this acquisition is part of the United States defence aid package to Israel. The F-35, also known as “Adir” in Hebrew, was introduced in Israel for the first time outside of the United States. Israel was the first to employ the aircraft in active combat in May 2018. Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney agreed to allow Israeli defence firms to manufacture aircraft parts.
Is F-35 a Potential Match for India?
Despite the fact that neither the US nor India has made a formal offer or request for the F-35, the two countries’ political interests have grown significantly. The F-35s were displayed for the first time in India at Aero India 2023. The United States appears to be more interested in India purchasing F-16, F-18, or F-15 class aircraft. The recent purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defence system by India is equally important.
Also read: India Should Look At Procuring F-35: Former IAF Air Marshal
India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft [AMCA] with stealth capabilities will not be available for another 15 years. Some argue that India should purchase two F-35A squadrons, but its primary goal is to secure 114 planes. With the Indian Air Force [IAF] in need of more AEW&C and FRA, the cost of purchasing and maintaining the F-35 could be substantial.
The IAF has excess cash funds thanks to Russian supplies. China already has 150 fifth-generation J-20 fighters, while Pakistan is beefing up its fighter squadrons. Although India is currently in the Light Combat Aircraft [LCA] stage, obtaining approximately 40 F-35s might greatly boost the IAF’s operational capability. Given the urgent need to enhance the IAF’s fighter aircraft numbers, this choice rests with India’s security establishment.
F-35 Lightning-II
The F-35 is a high-performance fighter jet built for air superiority and strike missions. It possesses sophisticated electronic warfare and reconnaissance capabilities. The F-35 aircraft was developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems. It is available in three versions: F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C. In 2001, these concepts won the Joint Strike Fighter [JSF] programme competition.
The US funded the F-35 programme principally, with contributions from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Turkey, however, Turkey was eventually eliminated. The United Kingdom was the lone Tier 1 partner. The F-35 project began in 2000 with the X-35A demonstrator, followed by the F-35 prototype in 2006. Between 2015 and 2019, the F-35 models entered service with the US military.
Following the completion of initial flight testing in 2018, the United States intends to acquire around 2,500 F-35s by 2044 and operate them until 2070. Nearly 950 F-35s had been built as of mid-2023. The aircraft is planned to replace many multirole and attack fighters in the United States, ushering in a new age of aerial combat.
F-35 Future Insights
The F-35, which is constantly improving, is now in Block 3F. The Continuous Capability Development and Delivery [C2D2] plan calls for various enhancements. The Block 4 stage will add more armaments, improve avionics, and boost ESM capabilities. It will also include flexible software, powerful adaptive cycle engines, and sophisticated infrared countermeasures.
GE and P&W have been entrusted with developing a 200kN thrust class engine and enhancing the F135. The A100, which is expected in the mid-2020s, is expected to serve the F-35A and C by 2027, according to GE.
Understanding The F-35 Program
The F-35 programme has been chastised for its exorbitant price, software issues, and late deliveries. The three aircraft types only share 25% of their parts, rather than the planned 70%, raising the overall programme cost. Each F-35 plane costs around $100 million.
The programme was anticipated to cost $200 billion in 2001. Due to delays and cost overruns, this sum has risen to $406.5 billion by 2017. The overall cost, including operations and maintenance, is estimated to be $1.5 trillion until 2070. In 2023, full manufacturing commenced. The F-35 is extremely costly to run. In 2019, the cost per flight hour was $35,000, which was greater than for other aircraft. Even with intentions to cut this cost by 2025, questions regarding the feasibility of using the same design persist.
This method is not without hazards. With no backup plan in place, delays and additional costs were inescapable. Some say that the F-35, with a readiness record of 69%, is less reliable than the less expensive F-16. Approximately 12 F-35s have been destroyed in accidents. Furthermore, China’s export restrictions on gallium and germanium may have an impact on the construction of F-35s and other radar-equipped aircraft. Gallium, which is used in AESA radars, is mostly manufactured in China. The F-35 has also been the target of cyber-attacks, with China accused of design theft.
F-35s Across The World
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States all use the F-35. Taiwan expressed interest in the F-35, but the United States concerns over classified data leakage to China put a halt to the agreement. Thailand’s request for 8 to 12 F-35s in May 2023 was denied by the US, who instead offered F-16 Block 70/72 Viper and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft.
Despite being a founding participant in the F-35 programme, Turkey was barred from purchasing the aircraft due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system. The UAE first expressed interest in the F-35 but withdrew its request owing to extra US terms.
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