AFP reports on the F-35 in action at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru city, the region’s largest air show. India is facing a crucial decision on modernizing its air force, with the question of whether the cutting-edge American fighter jet is the right solution. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington, US President Donald Trump announced plans to pave the way for India to acquire F-35s, a jet primarily sold to close allies and partners. The F-35 is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter jet with advanced features but comes with a high price tag. India must decide whether to invest in the expensive F-35 or strengthen defense ties with Russia through local production of the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet.
The debate between the F-35 and Su-57 is complex, with some experts suggesting that the US-Russia rivalry is largely media-driven. The challenges with the F-35 include cost, maintenance, and operational issues. Integrating a fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 into India’s air force plans, centered on the homegrown Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Rafales, presents its own set of challenges. India’s air force is also facing a shortage of fighter jets, with its fleet falling below sanctioned levels.
India’s planned fighter jet expansion includes homegrown options like the Tejas Mark 1A and Mark 2, as well as plans to acquire foreign multirole fighter jets. The country’s air force modernization efforts are hindered by funding, delays, and dependence on foreign jets. The mismatch between the defense ministry’s vision and the air force’s needs, as well as delays in delivering capable homegrown jets, are key challenges. Despite these hurdles, India continues to prioritize indigenous defense production while navigating the complexities of modernizing its air force. AFP Entonces, habrá una necesidad de ir a buscar algo que pueda llenar rápidamente estos vacíos”, dijo, refiriéndose a las entregas retrasadas del Tejas Mark 1A, que debían comenzar en febrero pasado pero aún no han comenzado.
La prioridad clara de la India es un caza furtivo de fabricación nacional, con más de $1bn ya comprometidos para su desarrollo. “Un avión furtivo extranjero solo se consideraría si la percepción de la amenaza inmediata de la India cambia”, dice el Sr. Bhatia. China tiene dos cazas furtivos llamados J-20 y J-35, pero probablemente no cumplan con los estándares estadounidenses.
La mayoría de los expertos creen que India no elegirá ni los cazas americanos ni los rusos. “A corto plazo, como se ha visto en conflictos pasados, las compras de emergencia pueden llenar vacíos. El enfoque a medio plazo es la coproducción, pero el juego a largo plazo es claro: construir los suyos propios”, dice el Sr. Bhatia.
Para India, el futuro del poder aéreo no se trata solo de comprar aviones, sino de construirlos, idealmente con un fuerte socio occidental. Pero para que esa visión tenga éxito, India debe entregar sus cazas de fabricación nacional a tiempo.