Recently I wrote an article on the topic which I wrote if India will buy F-35 and a few weeks later AERO India 2023 happened. This Aero India 2023 was something different as the USA for the first time was present on Indian Soil. In the 27-year history of the Aero India 2023 show, the American presence was palpable this year. Various American solutions were on display in Bangalore, the host city. However, the presence of Lockheed’s F-35 Lightning II and F-21 was more than symbolic.

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US in talks with India to sell F-35

According to reports, the US is willing to talk to India about its desire for a fifth-generation fighter jet. Senior US officials have even confirmed these rumors. Decisions on whether India wants a fifth-generation fighter are “very early in the process.” Rear Admiral Michael L. Baker, Defense Attaché at the US Embassy in India, said this.

Also read: Should India Buy F-35 And What Are The Alternatives?

Baker stated that there are discussions about the F-35 for India, but nothing has been announced. He emphasized that India is a strategic partner of the United States in the White House’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

How does the Indian Strategy read?

There is still no indication of the New Delhi government’s position. However, retired Indian pilot Capt. TP Srivastava believes the F-35 has no place in the Indian Air Force or Navy. He sees maintenance costs as a significant barrier for India. According to the former pilot, the F-35 will not meet India’s technological requirements. “If I made the decision, and they offered me the F-35 for free,” Srivastava says.

Also read: Meet The Russian ‘Checkmate’ Sukhoi Su-75

Srivastava identifies some issues that are preventing his eventual acquisition at this time. For example, issues with the stealth cover, the catapult seat, and so on. Not to mention that it’s still unclear whether Lockheed was able to eliminate the plane’s 13 major issues from a list of over 800 complaints.

So, why bring up the F-35 in India? Experts and analysts believe it is an enticement for New Delhi to distance itself from Russian influence in this area. The combined presence of F-21 and F-35 is particularly noteworthy. Let us not forget that the US is still in the running to sell the 114 multi-role fighters that India desires. India’s contract offer is enticing: nearly 20,000 million dollars. The US will go to any length to obtain it because it is more than a sliver of India’s share of Russian influence.

What can India do?

India is currently in a position where it must ensure its defence against two neighbors: Pakistan and China. Let us not forget that India can afford to buy Russian weapons without fear of US sanctions. Washington cannot afford to lose a multibillion-dollar market if stupidity and false morals prevail and New Delhi’s CAATSA is used to impose sanctions.

Also read: Should India Buy Su-75 ‘Checkmate’ And What Is The Alternative?

Furthermore, as a US ally, India was the only one to oppose the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. They were rejected by New Delhi, which did not impose its own sanctions against the Russian Federation. With this stance, India can maintain its long association and friendly relations with Russia.

Conclusion

India’s current position is a win-win situation: even if it purchases F-21s from the United States, Moscow will not be upset that it has not fulfilled its commitments to India since the end of the war in Ukraine. As a result, New Delhi will be able to prefer an American fighter without even having to justify its decision, instead simply reminding Moscow of the delivery delay.

In the Indian salon, this is precisely the role of the F-35/F-21 package. Washington reiterates that it will not sue India over the purchase of Russian arms and that it is willing to hand over his if Moscow is unable to do so. The F-35/F-21 package must compete with the Russian Su-57 fighter and the Rosoboronexport offer. As previously reported, the Russian news agency TASS claims that Russia and India are already discussing joint production of the Su-57. It’s unclear which phase they’re in right now.

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