NEW DELHI: India has not received a formal offer from the United States to purchase its F-35 stealth fighter jets, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has clarified, challenging reports that New Delhi had turned down a proposal from Washington.
Singh addressed the speculation during a press conference in Jodhpur on Saturday (Oct 10), where he shared the stage with General Kevin Schneider, commander of the United States Pacific Air Forces, during the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026.
Responding to a question about the American fifth-generation fighter, Singh took a swipe at the restrictions surrounding access to the aircraft.
“These people don’t even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us,” he remarked.
The comment drew attention to the difference between discussions about a possible F-35 acquisition and an official offer to sell the aircraft to India.India Travel Guides
The clarification comes more than a year after US President Donald Trump publicly raised the prospect of supplying F-35 fighters to India.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025, Trump announced plans to increase American military sales to India and said his administration was preparing the ground for the eventual supply of F-35 stealth fighters.India Travel Guides
However, the announcement did not amount to a formal purchase proposal. Singh’s latest remarks underline that distinction.
The F-35 is among the advanced fifth-generation combat aircraft being discussed internationally as India considers ways to strengthen its fighter fleet and acquire next-generation capabilities.
No decision yet on Russia’s Su-57
The Air Force chief also addressed questions about Russia’s Su-57, another fifth-generation stealth fighter being discussed as a possible option for India.India Travel Guides
He said the Russian proposal was yet to be considered and that no decision had been taken.
India is simultaneously pursuing the development of an indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft under its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
The project forms part of the country’s broader effort to strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities and reduce reliance on imported military equipment.
F-35 joins multinational air exercise in Jodhpur
Singh’s remarks came during Tarang Shakti-2026, the second edition of the multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force.India Travel Guides
The exercise, scheduled from September 26 to October 12, has brought together the IAF and air forces from seven foreign countries: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Among the participating aircraft is the American F-35 Lightning II, alongside other advanced fighters and military transport aircraft.
The exercise aims to improve operational coordination, joint mission planning and cooperation among participating air forces.
Singh expressed satisfaction with its progress and recalled that the first edition, held in 2024, had faced disruptions because of adverse weather.
“Last time we had some disruptions because of weather, so this time the exercise has gone through without any weather disruptions; I’m happy,” he said.
The multinational exercise is also intended to deepen military engagement among participating countries through joint training and exchanges of operational experience. - The Statesman/ANN
