 "F-35 sale to India: Trade for Trump, defence strategy for PM Modi as Pakistan swivels to China")
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to India, positioning New Delhi among an elite group of nations equipped with state-of-the-art stealth aircraft.
“Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters,” Trump declared during a joint news conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House.
This comes amid China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and Pakistan’s growing dependence on its “iron brother” led by communist strongman Xi Jinping in Beijing. Recently, China also unveiled its latest stealth fighter jet and Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari visited Beijing to deepen bilateral ties.
At the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province in November, China showcased a groundbreaking advancement in aviation—a scale model of the J-20S, the world’s first known two-seat fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, taking centre stage.
Strategic or trade motivated?
The rationale behind this move remains unclear. While some speculate that the deal is aimed at narrowing the widening trade deficit between India and the US—especially as heavy reciprocal tariffs loom over New Delhi—others view it as a strategic military development. It is yet to be revealed what other defence agreements were discussed during the meeting. However, it is evident that Indo-US defence ties are set to strengthen rapidly.
Russia’s offers Su-57 for India
On February 12, 2025, Reuters reported that Russia had proposed the production of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57, in India for the Indian Air Force. A Russian and an Indian official confirmed the offer, as Moscow seeks to deepen its defence partnership with New Delhi.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRussia has long been India’s primary arms supplier, contributing significantly to India’s military fleet. However, Moscow’s ability to export weaponry has been hampered by the ongoing Ukraine conflict, prompting India to explore Western alternatives.
A spokesperson for Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport stated that production of the Su-57 in India could commence as early as this year if the Indian government accepts the proposal. He added that the full transfer of technology would ensure uninterrupted production and maintenance despite Western sanctions on Russia.
The Su-57, despite being Russia’s flagship stealth fighter, has faced development delays and a crash in 2019, with serial production only beginning in 2022.
Last year, Russia flew the Su-57 to Zhuhai, China, for its first international air show, signaling growing China-Russia defence cooperation.
Aero India 2025: A historic display
Both the Russian Su-57 and the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II—two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jets—were showcased at the Aero India 2025 exhibition in Bengaluru this week leaving spectators in awe.
The defence ministry highlighted that this was the first time in history that two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets participated in the mega event.
According to PTI, the inaugural day of the five-day event saw both aircraft taking to the skies, demonstrating their agility and combat capabilities. The Su-57 impressed with its ability to execute swift turns in the air with minimal runway takeoff. The F-35, known for its quick acceleration, showcased exceptional manoeuvrability.
India’s growing role in global defence cooperation
The defence ministry described the Su-57 as “Russia’s premier stealth multi-role fighter” designed for air superiority and strike capabilities. “Equipped with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and stealth technology, it is making its debut at Aero India 2025. Visitors can expect high-speed aerial manoeuvres and tactical demonstrations that highlight the fighter’s agility, stealth, and firepower,” the ministry’s statement read.
Regarding the F-35 Lightning II, the ministry noted that Lockheed Martin’s “most widely deployed fifth-generation fighter integrates advanced stealth, unparalleled situational awareness, and networked combat capabilities.”
The inclusion of both aircraft in Aero India 2025 highlights India’s strategic importance as a global hub for defence and aerospace collaboration.
India’s air force modernisation
With China rapidly expanding its air force capabilities, the Indian Air Force is urgently working to bolster its fighter squadrons, which have dwindled to 31—well below the target of 42. The competition between the US and Russia to secure defence deals with India highlights New Delhi’s growing role as a key player in global military strategy.
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