Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement about providing India with F-35 fighter jets has sparked concerns within India’s defense community. Critics highlight the aircraft’s high maintenance costs, technical flaws, and operational challenges. The recent failure of an Israeli mission using F-35s has also raised questions about its stealth capabilities. While discussions on the deal may soon begin, experts warn of potential risks to India’s defense strategy.
The potential sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets to India, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, has sparked intense debate among India’s military and strategic experts.
Trump stated that his administration was “paving the way to ultimately provide India” with F-35s, a move that has left defense analysts questioning the aircraft’s suitability for India’s defense needs. While media reports suggest that negotiations on the deal—likely an inter-governmental agreement—could begin soon, India’s military establishment remains cautious.
Technical Challenges and High Costs
The F-35 program has faced persistent technical issues, including a low mission capability rate, frequent breakdowns, and extremely high maintenance costs. According to the 2024 annual report by the U.S. Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), the aircraft has over 800 unresolved defects, making it one of the most problematic fighter jet programs in history.
Moreover, a recent Israeli military operation that used F-35 jets failed to achieve its objectives due to stealth vulnerabilities, raising concerns about the jet’s real-world combat effectiveness.
Strategic Implications for India
Defense analysts argue that purchasing F-35s could complicate India’s defense strategy. The aircraft’s advanced technology and reliance on U.S. maintenance contracts could limit India’s operational independence, making the country dependent on Washington for long-term support.
While India continues to strengthen its military capabilities, experts believe the focus should remain on indigenous fighter jet programs such as the Tejas Mark-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), rather than acquiring expensive foreign jets with questionable performance records.
As negotiations move forward, India’s defense policymakers face a crucial decision: whether to proceed with the F-35 deal despite its risks or prioritize domestic alternatives for long-term security and self-reliance.
