US President Donald Trump𒐪 on February 13 offered to sell state-of-the-art fighter jets to India. Leaders of both the countries vowed to ramp up trade, rekindling a bond that defies the new US administration's punitive approach to much of the world. Successive US administrations have seen India as a key partner with like-minded interests in the face of a rising China, and Trump announced that the new administration was ready to sell one of the top US military prizes -- F-35s.
What Is The F-35 Jet?
🔥The F-35 fighter jet, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation multi-role stealth aircraft designed for a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and intelligence gathering. Its key features include advanced stealth technology, supersonic speed, and sophisticated sensors, making it one of the most advanced and versatile fighter jets in the world. It is available in three variants: the F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based).
🔜The F-35 holds strategic importance in the context of India's defense needs and aspirations. India, with its diverse security challenges, is continuously modernizing its military to maintain a strategic edge in the region. Earlier, India has opted for other advanced fighter jets, notably the French Dassault Rafale and Russia’s Su-30MKI, over the F-35. This is partly due to India's emphasis on indigenous defense production and its long-standing relationships with Russia and France.
Trump Keeps F-35 On Offer
🦄In a press conference after the meeting with PM Narendra Modi, Trump said "Starting this year, we'll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We're also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighter.” He added: "In order to ensure India's energy security, we will focus on trade in oil and gas," PM Modi said, expecting a "mutually beneficial trade agreement" would come "very soon."
Which Countries Have F-35?
𓃲The F-35 is not exclusive to the United States. It has been embraced by numerous allied nations, making it a truly global asset: Australia operates 72 F-35A jets. The United Kingdom, Italy, and Norway are program partner nations that have integrated the F-35 into their fleets.
ꦆThrough the US Department of Defence’s Foreign Military Sales program, Japan, South Korea, and Israel have also placed orders for the aircraft. If India accepts this offer, it would become the first non-NATO and non-Pacific US ally to incorporate the F-35 into its arsenal, a move that could significantly reshape its air combat capabilities.
