Defence, tech ties F-35 pitch puts focus on IAF modernisation

As India and the US reaffirmed their commitment to a dynamic defence partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, President Donald Trump's announcement on Thursday that America is paving the way for India to get the F-35 stealth fighters emerged as one of the biggest takeaways.

- Rahul Singh

NEW DELHI:

Putting the F-35 on the table is significant on three counts—India is firmly pushing ahead with an ambitious plan to develop an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, or the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA); Russia has offered to jointly produce its Su-57 stealth fighter in the country; and the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been scouting for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft.

"Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide F-35 stealth fighters," Trump said at a joint media briefing with Modi, who said America had an important role to play in India's defence preparedness.

"As strategic and trusted partners, we are actively moving in the direction of joint development, joint production and transfer of technology," Modi said.

Trump's F-35 offer lacked finer details, and the proposed sale will require a US policy review and protracted negotiations after India formally kicks off the acquisition process. However, it put the spotlight on how the Trump administration's latest offering will fit with IAF's ongoing modernisation plans, including the development of the light combat aircraft LCA Mk-2, Indian officials aware of the matter said.