After US President Donald Trump offered F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to India, the debate about whether the Indian Air Force should induct these jets has hogged the limelight.
Is The F-35 A Good Option For The IAF
After US President Donald Trump offered F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to India, the debate about whether the Indian Air Force should induct these jets has hogged the limelight. Additionally, Russia’s offer of the Su-57 has made the discourse more spicy, with comparisons being drawn between the US and Russian platforms. Both the F-35 and Su-57 are fifth-generation fighters.
Should India buy F-35?
The F-35 is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The Lockheed Martin website describes the F-35 as “the centrepiece of 21st-century global security,” adding, “The F-35 strengthens national security, enhances global partnerships, and powers economic growth. As the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter jet in the world, the F-35 gives pilots the critical advantage against any adversary, enabling them to execute their mission and come home safe.”
Why does India need a fifth-generation fighter?
Currently, India does not have a fifth-generation fighter, and before the AMCA projects bears fruits, the country needs a stealth fighter to counter constant threats that are likely to emerge from China and Pakistan. F-35 fighter jets will require big budgetary allocations as their price is towards the higher side. Conversely, the Su-57 are expected to cost considerably less and may get inducted with ease as most Indian warplanes are of Russian origin.
When it comes to the F-35, the technology transfer aspect can be a contentious issue, while in the case of the Su-57, Moscow can conform to the Indian demands of technology transfer and indigenous manufacturing.
