IAF Chief Comments on F-35 Access During Exercise

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh made remarks about US restrictions on F-35 stealth fighter access during a press conference in Jodhpur on Sunday.

Singh made the comment while speaking alongside General Kevin Schneider, Commander of US Pacific Air Forces, at the conclusion of the Tarang Shakti-2026 air exercise.

When asked if the US had formally offered to sell F-35 jets to India, Singh responded by saying US personnel do not allow Indian officials near the aircraft.

Singh later clarified that his remark was a joke and not to be taken seriously, noting that countries protect sensitive military technology.

General Schneider stated that decisions on sharing F-35 information were beyond his authority, citing security rules that dictate what can be disclosed and how technology must be protected.

Six American F-35 Lightning II jets participated in Tarang Shakti-2026, marking their first involvement in the exercise in India.

Despite the jets' participation, Singh confirmed that the US had not made an official offer to sell the aircraft to India.

Singh also noted that Russia had offered its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to India, but no decision had been made on the offer.

India is evaluating options to acquire advanced stealth capabilities as its indigenous AMCA programme remains years from producing an operational fighter.

The search for advanced capabilities has intensified due to China's expansion of its stealth aircraft fleet, including the J-20 and J-35, and potential Chinese supply of J-35 fighters to Pakistan.

Such developments could shift the military balance in the region and pressure India to enhance its air combat capabilities.

Fifth-generation fighters integrate stealth technology with advanced sensors, radar, and electronic warfare systems, making them harder to detect and more effective in combat.

For India, selecting an interim fighter involves more than choosing an aircraft, as access to technology, weapons integration, and long-term supplier dependence are key factors.

The challenge is to strengthen the IAF's capabilities in the near term without compromising its long-term goal of developing its own fifth-generation fighter through the AMCA programme.