F-35 Fighter Plain: Why is India in a dilemma about game changer or expensive mesh, American aircraft

New Delhi : On 14 February, US President Donald Trump made a surprising announcement. he/she said, ‘We are eventually opening the way to give F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to India. For the strategic and defense community of India, this is an important moment. If the deal is accepted, it can bring India’s air power into the category of stealth-capable countries such as America, Britain, Japan and Israel. The Indian Air Force does not currently have any stealth fighter aircraft, while China has already deployed its J-20. Also working on the sixth generation fighter jet, J-36.

What will be the effect of the deal?

But this is not just a military deal. There are serious geopolitical and financial views behind accepting F-35. Will India go further deep in the area of ​​influence of America. Will its decades -old relationship with Russia get sour? Will this affect India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Stealth Jet program, which will delay its defense self -sufficiency? And most importantly, can India make this deal at a price of 8 to 10 million dollars per jet?

Why F-35 is big thing

F-35 Lightning II is considered the ‘most advanced fighter aircraft’ in the world. This is the second most expensive fighter aircraft after F-22 raptor. The raptor is also an American -made stealth fighter aircraft, which is not for sale. Built by US defense giant Lockheed Martin, F-35 is a single-seat, single-engine, supersonic, all season-working stealth fighter aircraft.

The aircraft comes in three variants-F-35A (traditional take-off and landing, which is for the US Air Force), F-35B (short tech-off and vertical landing, used by American marines) and career -Born F-35C (for the US Navy).

What is the specialty of F-35?

According to the manufacturer, ‘F-35 is a powerful force multiply with advance sensors and communication suits that work close to the battlefield and from a high place. This greatly increases the capabilities of the network aerial, sea, space, surface and ground -based platforms. According to the company, till date, 20 global customers have chosen F-35. Currently there are more than 1,000 F-35 operational operations worldwide, which has flown more than 940,000 hours.

Britain, Japan, Italy, Netherlands and Israel are one of the countries that operate the US-made fighter jets. These can carry several types of accurately directed missiles as well as bunker-bomb bombs. Additionally, the US Air Force F-35A fighter aircraft have now been certified for delivery of B61–12 nuclear gravity bombs.

Does India need stealth fighter jets?

The Indian Air Force currently operates only 31 squadron (18 aircraft) in each. This approved capacity is much lower than 42. This deficiency is due to the IAF’s inability to replace the old Soviet era fleet, especially accident-affected MiG-21 with domestic Tejas fighter jets due to delay in production. Airer Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh has repeatedly expressed his/her disappointment at the sluggish pace of indigenous defense projects.

Recently he/she had warned that research and development loses its relevance if it is not able to fulfill the deadline. Delay in technology is similar to denying technology. The Indian Air Force, which was very much dependent on its main aircraft Sukhoi SU-30 MKI until two years ago, has tried to fulfill this deficiency by purchasing 36 French-made Rafale Jets. However, Pakistan is also increasing its aerial strength with a plan to purchase 40 J-35 stealth fighters from China.

In addition, the first deployment of J -36 fighter aircraft recently considered by China has raised concern globally, as any other two big players – America and Russia – have also so far so far. No such project has been unveiled. China has also deployed J-20 Stealth Jet at its airport in front of India. Defense analysts have repeatedly highlighted India’s strategic weakness in view of the threat of war on two fronts. Also emphasized the need for early purchase of advanced aircraft.

Will the gamechanger be F35 for India?

Air Vice Marshall (retired) Prannoy Sinha, who is a former fighter pilot with a long experience of the Indian Air Force flying Sukhoi, says F-35 will undoubtedly (for India). It is a proven aircraft and specializes in war. Although this is very expensive. F-35 [अपने रूसी समकक्ष] SU is smaller than SU-57 and is definitely much better. According to Sinha, the Indian Air Force should have stealth fighter aircraft for strategic use. For example, if we want to go to the enemy’s territory, want to kill them strongly and come back without coming to their air defense system, then this [स्टेल्थ] Capacity will be required.

What do experts say about F35?

Years ago, leading commentator Colonel (Retired) Ajay Shukla also made a strong argument in favor of F-35. “Those who try to consider SU-30mki’s ground attack equal to F-35, should remember: The grassroots capacity is not just a bomb-loving task; The ability to drop high explosives accurately.

Shukla wrote in her blog that this includes flying from hostile EW (electronic war) and radar environment and reaching the target area without being caught or caught too late. Also fight to reach the target if necessary; To detect and identify the goal; To deliver weapons accurately; And then involving fighting to return to the base. In completing this broad mission profile, F-35 will be the grandfather of any existing fighter aircraft including our Sukhoi.

Should India buy it?

India takes caution about buying expensive fighter aircraft. There are good reasons behind this. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in Washington that there is a process under which platforms are obtained. he/she further said that the conversation has not started yet. Officials also say that the Indian Air Force will have to weigh its advantages and disadvantages first. An official told the Times of India that the acquisition of F-35 would require India to essentially influence the US influence, which will affect its strategic autonomy.

Why do you think that in the last few years, the governments of India have bought Russian, French and other fighter aircraft, but never bought American aircraft? If India actually accepts the offer of F-35, then it has to take into account many things besides the strategic benefits of it, such as the prepared price, technology, full expenses of aircraft, maintenance and corresponding Other things like this. Apart from this, it has to be taken care of that India’s fifth generation fighter project, AMCA should not be adversely affected.

Sinha says that whenever we acquire any foreign, our own projects [जैसे AMCA] Are affected. If the US allows technology transfer, it would be prudent to buy F-35. This can also help us in the development of our AMCA.

American F-35 vs Russian S-400 missiles?

Trump may offer India to sell F-35 jets, but such a step may face serious obstacles, as India already have close defense relations with Russia, and America has its stealth fighters The aircraft has been hesitant to sell countries where its technology can be stolen by opponents.

India’s 2018 decision to buy Russia’s S-400 missile defense system will also complicate sales. It is said that this stealth is capable of detecting and destroying all types of air items including fighter jets. India has deployed two-three squadrons of S-400 on its western and northern borders.

The US earlier canceled the co-production of F-35 with Turkey, when Ankara decided to buy the S-400. The US feared that Russia would know a lot about the aircraft technology. A statement from the July 2019 White House said that the F-35 could not live together with the Russian intelligence collection platform which will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities.

Now, a favorable report by the US Congressunal Research Service has raised hopes of possible withdrawal in Türkiye’s F-35 program. According to Sinha, India will have to wait and see whether the proposal of Trump gets necessary approval from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House’s Foreign Affairs Committee. “This is a long process.

(With silver pundit and agency input)