SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

As U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for India to buy more American weapons, the Indian Air Force (IAF) found itself under increasing pressure to procure U.S. fighter jets. The expectation was that such a purchase would facilitate concessions from the Trump administration in broader trade negotiations. However, the options available to India—Lockheed Martin’s F-21 and Boeing’s F-15EX—pose significant strategic and operational concerns for the IAF.
The F-21 and F-15EX, though modernized, originate from designs developed nearly five decades ago. While both aircraft have undergone substantial upgrades to remain relevant in modern warfare, they do not match the stealth and technological superiority of China’s J-35A or J-20 fifth-generation fighters. Given that Pakistan may eventually field Chinese stealth fighters, India is wary of procuring jets that do not provide a technological edge over its adversaries.
While the U.S. Department of Defense is open to selling the F-35A to India, the deal remains stalled due to stringent conditions attached to the aircraft’s operations and maintenance. The Pentagon insists on an extensive inspection regime for Indian airbases, granting the U.S. periodic access to monitor the fighter jets’ usage. This requirement, seen as a violation of operational sovereignty, makes the F-35A an unattractive option for the IAF. Additionally, Lockheed Martin is reluctant to establish an F-35 production line in India for just 110 jets, further complicating negotiations.
India’s MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) tender seeks a medium-weight fighter jet, making the F-15EX a less-than-ideal choice as it falls within the heavy fighter category, much like the Su-30MKI. Although the F-15EX enjoys a better reputation within the IAF compared to the F-21, acquiring another heavy fighter does not align with the IAF’s operational strategy. India’s preference remains for a fighter in the medium category, one that balances capabilities with cost-effectiveness and logistical feasibility.
The IAF’s reluctance to procure American jets under political pressure underscores India’s commitment to strategic autonomy. The Indian defense establishment remains cautious about acquiring aircraft that come with stringent operational oversight requirements. Moreover, investing in older-generation fighters when adversaries are deploying cutting-edge stealth platforms would put India at a significant disadvantage in future aerial confrontations.
Despite U.S. pressure, India remains firm on its requirements for the MRFA tender. The decision to procure fighter jets must align with India’s long-term strategic interests rather than short-term diplomatic gains. Unless the U.S. offers a deal that includes more advanced platforms like the F-35A under acceptable terms, India is unlikely to prioritize American fighter jets over other contenders in its MRFA competition. The ongoing deliberations highlight India’s resolve to maintain operational sovereignty while modernizing its air force with technologically superior platforms.
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