Is the US quietly stepping back from the F-35 it wants India to buy?

The Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jet, once a flagship programme representing the cutting edge of American airpower and a cornerstone of international defence partnerships, is now seeing reduced orders from its primary buyer — the United States military itself.

This decline, revealed through recent defence budget documents and procurement figures, comes at a time when the aircraft is being marketed to India, which is simultaneously exploring a competing Russian offer.

India’s options for acquiring fifth-generation fighter jets are rapidly becoming a topic of urgent importance, as the country seeks to revamp its ageing combat aircraft fleet and address a widening capability gap with regional adversaries.

However, the recent developments surrounding the F-35 programme — its cost, reduced orders, and uncertain trajectory — raise pressing questions about whether the United States remains committed to this platform, and if the aircraft remains a viable solution for India’s strategic needs.

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Pentagon slashes F-35 orders

According to procurement documentation obtained by Bloomberg and sent to Capitol Hill this week, the Pentagon has sharply reduced its request for new F-35 fighter jets for the US Air Force in the upcoming fiscal year.

Only 24 jets are being sought for FY2025 — exactly half the number requested the previous year. In addition to the Air Force reduction, procurement figures also indicate that the US Navy and Marine Corps will receive fewer F-35s than originally planned.

The US Navy is now requesting 12 of the carrier-based F-35 variant, fewer than the 17 approved the previous year. The Marine Corps has similarly reduced its ask by two aircraft compared to the current fiscal cycle, reported Bloomberg.

The new budget allocates $3.5 billion for F-35 acquisitions for the US Air Force, in addition to $531 million earmarked for pre-production materials.

These numbers come in the wake of newly announced US defence spending constraints. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has initiated an 8 per cent reduction in overall military spending over the next five years, directly impacting flagship projects like the F-35.

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Lockheed Martin faces market pressure

The impact on the defence industry has been immediate. Shares of Lockheed Martin dropped following reports of the order cuts, reflecting investor concern about the shrinking procurement pipeline for one of the company’s most lucrative programmes.

Lockheed’s F-35 project alone accounts for around 30 per cent of its total revenue. In 2024, the company managed to deliver 110 aircraft to US services and allied nations. However, future contracts remain in limbo.

The defence manufacturer is still waiting on a finalised agreement with the Pentagon to secure the next round of production — already delayed due to technological upgrades that have yet to be fully integrated into the jet’s systems.

The F-35, despite its advanced stealth, AI-enabled combat systems and sensor fusion capabilities, has been the subject of recurring criticism due to its high cost, extended development timelines and maintenance demands.

International customers have also begun raising flags. Canada, which signed up to acquire 88 F-35 jets, is now confronting a potential 50 per cent increase in the total projected cost, bringing the estimated expense to C$27.7 billion.

A recent audit revealed that factors such as infrastructure upgrades, delays in airbase readiness and pilot shortages have all contributed to the rising bill.

These issues are not isolated to Canada, but reflect broader systemic challenges surrounding the F-35 programme that could influence future buyers like India.

Trump-Vance revive F-35 offer to India

Despite the turbulence in the programme, the F-35 remains central to US defence diplomacy, especially with strategic partners like India. The proposal to offer the aircraft to New Delhi resurfaced under the current US administration, with the US reportedly reaffirming its willingness to facilitate a sale of the fighter jet.

India, for its part, is still weighing its options. The F-35 is widely acknowledged as one of the most technologically sophisticated jets available globally. But its high cost — estimated at $80 million per unit — and the complications associated with acquiring such a sensitive platform have kept the discussions tentative.

India’s long-term defence planning must also account for delivery schedules, technology transfer commitments, and compatibility with existing systems.

With the US reducing its own procurement and allied nations facing ballooning costs, the Indian defence establishment may increasingly question whether the F-35 is the best fit for its immediate and strategic needs.

Russia makes Su-57 offer

Meanwhile, a parallel and highly competitive offer is being pursued by Russia. Moscow has formally proposed that India join hands to co-produce the Su-57, Russia’s own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, reported CNBC TV18.

At the India Today Conclave 2025, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov declared: “We’re offering our fifth-generation fighter. We have the best machine — the Su-57. We just showed it, displayed it at Aero India last month in Bangalore (Bengaluru) and it performed, and you know, stole the show. It is very competitive; we are offering not only to sell but to co-produce. We offer technology sharing, we offer… you know industry with the creation of necessary industrial facilities for the production of this. We are open to configuration changes. So this is a very lucrative deal that we offer to India.”

According to reports, the Su-57 proposal includes transfer of technology provisions allowing India to integrate its indigenous radars, avionics, and weapon systems into the aircraft.

This is particularly significant given India’s focus on enhancing domestic capabilities under its ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) already operates a production line for the Su-30MKI in Nashik, which could potentially be adapted for the Su-57, reducing the infrastructural burden of adopting a new fighter.

The offer also fits within India’s strategic vision to develop fifth-generation fighter jet engines domestically. To this end, the Indian government is evaluating proposals from Safran and Rolls-Royce, both of which have reportedly offered full technology transfer for indigenous engine development.

Indian Air Force’s three-tier strategy

India’s defense establishment has been urgently reviewing options to address the gap in its fighter fleet. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has said that the Air Force needs to induct 35 to 40 fighter jets every year to maintain operational readiness and air superiority, reported CNBC TV18.

Currently, India has just 31 active combat squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42. In contrast, China has inducted 435 fighter and ground attack aircraft over the past ten years, while India has lost 151 aircraft in the same timeframe.

To manage this challenge, the Indian Ministry of Defence has outlined a three-phase plan: short-term acquisitions to meet immediate needs, medium-term partnerships for co-development and co-production, and long-term strategies focused on indigenous capabilities.

As part of its medium- and long-term planning, the government is expected to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project within days.

Pre-bid consultations are scheduled within two weeks of the RFP release, and final bidding is expected in about 45 days.

India’s Defence Secretary has also acknowledged the urgency, noting that the ministry has submitted a comprehensive report outlining steps to close the fighter jet capability gap.

This report aligns with the ongoing evaluation of international proposals — including both the American F-35 and Russian Su-57 — and domestic developmental initiatives.

With inputs from agencies