SOURCE: AFI
Former IL-76 Navigator Vaidya, speaking to AFI, shared his views on the potential acquisition of the F-35A by the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to him, the inclusion of even a limited number of F-35A fighters in the IAF’s inventory could effectively dismantle the confidence of pilots flying China’s J-20 or J-35A stealth fighters.
“An F-35, despite end-user agreements and other operational conditions, will be enough to tilt the balance decisively in the IAF’s favor across the border,” Vaidya stated. He also dismissed the readiness of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 and the conceptual Su-75 Checkmate. “No matter what Russia claims, the Su-57 is far from ready for operational deployment, and the Su-75 is still just a paper plane until we see a prototype rollout.”
The F-35A, with its proven production line and continuous upgrades, represents the most advanced fighter jet available on the global market today. The recent Block 4 upgrades add a host of significant improvements, including enhanced missile-carrying capacity and advanced avionics. These upgrades make the F-35 not just a stealth platform but also a versatile multirole combat aircraft.
“The F-35 is more than just a jet; it is an integrated combat system. Its annual production line ensures that spares and upgrades are readily available, making it a long-term investment in airpower,” Vaidya said.
One of the critical conditions the U.S. is likely to impose for any F-35 sale to India is its operational separation from the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. This stipulation stems from the Pentagon’s stringent security protocols to prevent adversaries from reverse-engineering or compromising the F-35’s stealth technology.
Additionally, the U.S. will likely require an end-use monitoring system to track the aircraft’s deployment and ensure compliance with operational restrictions. Such agreements are standard for all countries operating the F-35, including key allies like Israel.
Israel has successfully customized its F-35 fleet, known as the “Adir,” to integrate indigenous weaponry and electronic systems. Vaidya suggested that India could negotiate similar customization options if the U.S. agrees to sell the aircraft.
“The IAF should demand local integration of its weaponry and electronic warfare systems. Countries like Israel have demonstrated that this is not only feasible but also crucial for tailoring the aircraft to specific operational requirements,” he added.
While the U.S. State Department has historically taken a cautious approach to arms sales to India, recent Pentagon officials have expressed strong interest in including the IAF among F-35 operators. This interest aligns with Washington’s strategic pivot toward countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
An F-35 acquisition would represent a significant leap for the IAF, offering a platform unmatched by regional adversaries. For India, the decision would involve balancing operational benefits against the geopolitical and financial implications of such a deal.
As Vaidya aptly put it, “The F-35 is not just an aircraft; it’s a strategic deterrent. If the U.S. agrees to the sale, the IAF will gain a critical edge, and the confidence of pilots flying the J-20 or J-35A will evaporate overnight.”
The prospect of India acquiring the F-35 remains speculative but increasingly plausible in the evolving geopolitical landscape. For the IAF, the F-35A could serve as a force multiplier, reinforcing its position as a dominant airpower in the region. However, the path to acquisition will require navigating complex negotiations with Washington, balancing operational needs with the conditions attached to such a high-stakes purchase.