SOURCE: AFI
Lockheed Martin has expressed optimism regarding the potential sale of the F-35 Lightning II to India following a recent announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump supporting the move. A company spokesperson stated:
“We are encouraged by the recent announcement by President Trump to provide the F-35 to India. We look forward to working closely with both governments on upcoming strategic procurements, including the fighters.”
If India proceeds with acquiring the F-35A, it will become the only F-35 operator that has not operated an American fighter jet in the past 75 years, making it a unique case in the aircraft’s global user base.
India’s fighter aircraft inventory has historically been built around Russian, European, and indigenous platforms. Unlike other F-35 operators such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and European nations—many of which previously flew F-16s, F/A-18s, or F-4 Phantoms—India has never inducted an American fighter jet into its Air Force.
However, New Delhi has traditionally pursued a diversified defense procurement strategy to avoid over-reliance on a single supplier. While the F-35 offers cutting-edge stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities, India may weigh its acquisition against ongoing indigenous programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and further Rafale procurements.
If India moves forward with the F-35A, it will set a precedent as the first-ever nation to introduce the aircraft without a prior history of flying American fighter jets, making it a landmark defense deal in global military aviation.
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