F-35 enters the race against Su-57 for India's fighter order
US President Donald Trump has intensified the competition for a new fighter for the Indian Air Force (IAF) by saying that he will authorize the sale of the Lockheed Martin F-35 to the country.
During a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States, Trump said that he is “paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters.”
Until now, the 5th generation jet was not considered in the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which foresees the acquisition of 114 aircraft.
But the recent Russian offer to co-produce the Sukhoi Su-57 in India seems to have incited the Republican’s move. Officially, India has said it has not received any formal proposal for the F-35.
The two stealth fighters had their first “meeting” during Aero India 2025, which took place between February 10 and 14 in Bengaluru, southern India.
The MRFA is also evaluating the F-15, F-16 (F-21), Rafale, Eurofighter and Gripen fighters. The winner will have to set up an assembly line in the country and guarantee technology transfer.
The Russian export agency Rosoboronexport said this week that if India wishes, it can start production of the Su-57 this year.
The Putin government has been making an effort to find customers for the fighter, which is still in limited production and only the Russian Air Force is a customer.
This week, Algerian state media said, however, that the government had reached a deal to receive some Su-57s.
Production in India could be a barrier
While other competitors appear to have no restrictions on technology transfer to third parties, the F-35 program, with its more advanced technology, could be a barrier for India.
Despite having a diverse fleet of aircraft, which includes European and American models, there is a strong connection with Russian manufacturers.
The state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) even assembles the Su-30 fighter under license, of which it recently signed a new batch with the Air Force.
In addition, the Modi government sees the purchase of 114 foreign fighters as a reinforcement amid the development of aircraft made in the country itself.
The Tejas Mk2 and especially the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) programs should produce fighters that will play a fundamental role in India’s air defense in the future.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
