Trump proposes F-35 fighter jet offer to strengthen US-India defense ties

WASHINGTON: In a significant move to strengthen defense relationships, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would extend an offer to provide India with F-35 warplanes as part of a broader strategy to enhance military ties.

At a joint press conference at the White House with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump stated that the US intends to boost military hardware sales to India by “many billions of dollars.”

“We are also laying the groundwork to ultimately supply India with the F-35 stealth fighters,” Trump noted. However, such a transaction would be a long-term prospect and might encounter considerable hurdles, particularly as India has established extensive defense connections with Russia.

There are also concerns from the US about selling the F-35 to countries where the technology could potentially be compromised by rival nations.

A sale would also be complicated by India’s decision in 2018 to buy Russia’s $400 missile defense system. The US had previously scrapped F-35 co-production with Turkey after that country decided to buy the $400 over fears Russia would learn too much about the plane’s technology.

India appeared to be reserved regarding the prospect of acquiring these expensive fighter jets. “There is a process through which platforms are purchased,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed reporters in Washington, indicating that negotiations have not yet commenced.

Experts suggest that the F-35 offer, which is provided only to a select few close US allies—including NATO members, Israel, and Japan—serves as a gesture rather than a guarantee. Harsh Pant, a scholar in international relations at Kings College, London, commented on the situation, noting that the US is not only seeking to have India address issues related to tariffs and undocumented immigration but also aims to demonstrate its capability to offer valuable military assets.

This development represents the latest US effort to diminish India’s longstanding military ties with Russia. Multiple US presidents, including Trump in his first term, have promised expanded weapons contracts to India. “During our meeting today, the Prime Minister and I reiterated that strong cooperation between the United States, India, Australia, and Japan is essential for maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” Trump said.

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The announcement also reflects sustained confidence in the F-35, the most expensive weapon system manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp. Despite criticism from figures like Elon Musk, who referred to the continued development of manned fighter jets in the age of drones as nonsensical, former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall defended the fighter jet, affirming, “The F-35 isn’t going anywhere” as it is “a state-of-the-art system that’s continuously being upgraded.”

“There’s a reason why so many countries are investing in the F-35,” he added, highlighting the 19 international customers already on board. “There’s no alternative to that in the near future. We should maintain our purchases.”

Under Modi’s administration, India has strengthened its defense partnerships with the US as part of a 10-year plan worth $250 billion for military modernisation. Last year, the US approved sales totalling nearly $4 billion in attack drones, Hellfire missiles, and laser-guided bombs to India, reflecting the Biden administration’s aim to reduce India’s historic reliance on Russian defense equipment.

Moreover, India has committed to acquiring six additional US-made naval maritime aircraft, along with anti-tank missiles and infantry combat vehicles. According to a joint statement released following the bilateral summit, India is also set to purchase and co-produce Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.