India stays committed to indigenous combat aircraft despite Trump’s F-35 offer

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During a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump indicated that the US would reconsider restrictions on the export of advanced defence technologies, including the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter. However, sources in the Indian defence establishment affirm that India has no plans to abandon its AMCA project.

The AMCA is scheduled for its first flight in 2027-28, with the Cabinet Committee on Security having approved a Rs 15,000 crore development budget. Additionally, India is in negotiations with French firm Safran and US company General Electric for an engine partnership. Although production is nearly a decade away, the Ministry of Defence remains committed to the project, sources said.

The F-35, a cutting-edge multirole stealth fighter, is subject to strict US export controls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Countries seeking to acquire the aircraft must meet stringent requirements and secure US government approval.

Past cases highlight potential obstacles for India. The US expelled Turkey from the F-35 programme after it acquired Russia’s S-400 air defence system, citing security concerns. India also operates the S-400, raising questions about how Washington would navigate this issue.

When asked about the F-35 at a media briefing in Washington, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that India has not initiated the formal procurement process. “There is a process by which platforms are acquired — a Request for Proposal (RFP) is floated. We have not started that (RFP) process to get an advanced aviation platform,” he stated.

India’s interest in the F-35 dates back to 2005, when the Navy sought information on its aircraft carrier variant. The Indian Air Force was also briefed on the jet in 2018. However, no formal steps toward acquisition have been taken.

For now, India remains focused on developing its homegrown AMCA, reinforcing its long-term strategy of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.