SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India is reportedly contemplating the acquisition of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets from the United States, mirroring the government-to-government (G2G) framework used in its earlier procurement of Rafale jets from France. According to sources cited by idrw.org, this potential deal would involve strict US technology safeguards and a limited number of aircraft, likely restricted to 2-3 squadrons (36-54 jets) at maximum.
However, the delivery timeline remains a significant concern, with the jets potentially arriving only from 2029 onwards, followed by an additional 3-4 years before even two squadrons are fully operational. This acquisition is being considered as a stop-gap measure to bridge the capability gap until India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program reaches maturity.
The proposed F-35 acquisition is expected to follow a G2G model, similar to the 2016 deal with France for 36 Rafale jets, which was valued at approximately $8.88 billion (Rs 58,000 crore). This approach bypasses competitive bidding, allowing for direct negotiations between the two governments to expedite the process and ensure pricing parity with the US armed forces. However, the F-35 deal would come with stringent US technology safeguards, reflecting Washington’s cautious approach to sharing its most advanced military technologies.
The AMCA, India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter, is a cornerstone of this effort, but its timeline remains a challenge. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March 2024, the AMCA’s first flight is projected for early 2029, with production not expected until 2034-35 at the earliest.
This gap has prompted India to consider the F-35 as a stop-gap measure. According to idrw.org, the deal would likely be limited to 2-3 squadrons, delivering 36-54 aircraft. However, the timeline poses a significant hurdle: deliveries might not commence until 2029, with full operational capability for even two squadrons potentially delayed until 2032-33. This extended schedule is attributed to Lockheed Martin’s production backlog, which serves multiple F-35 customers, including the US, NATO allies, and Indo-Pacific partners. An IAF official previously told idrw.org that even an order placed in 2025 could face delays until 2030 due to supply chain constraints and production capacity limits.
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