Against the backdrop of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, the United States and India have recently finalized a new strategic partnership agreement extending over a decade, reflecting both nations’ interest in strengthening an alliance to counter China’s regional influence. Among the many defense-related developments outlined in the document, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to significantly increase military sales to India starting this year, with the most notable prospect being the potential supply of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to the Indian Air Force.
While details of a potential acquisition agreement for the Lockheed Martin-built aircraft remain undisclosed and could take years to materialize, the U.S. president stated during a joint press conference with PM Modi: “We will increase military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way for India to ultimately receive F-35 stealth fighters.”
It is worth recalling that the U.S. F-35 recently participated in the prestigious Aero India 2025 international air show, held at Yelahanka Air Base in Bangalore, which featured over 800 companies and delegations. The United States notably sent two aircraft of the model to participate in both static and aerial demonstrations.
At the same event, one of the F-35’s potential competitors in a future Indian procurement program, Russia’s Su-57, was also showcased, with exhibition flights performed by pilot Sergey Bogdan. This competition is particularly relevant as India is in the process of relaunching its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to acquire up to 114 new combat aircraft to address a critical shortfall in operational squadrons—currently standing at 31 instead of the 42 planned by military leadership.
To date, all candidates in the IAF’s selection process have been classified as 4.5-generation aircraft. The potential introduction of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 could significantly alter the playing field. Current proposals include the U.S. F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-15EX Eagle II, Russia’s MiG-35 and Su-35, France’s Rafale, Sweden’s Gripen E, and the Eurofighter Tranche 5. Given India’s growing strategic alignment with the U.S. following the new agreement, the F-35 may hold a strong competitive edge. However, Russia’s proposal—including local manufacturing options and collaboration on India’s indigenous AMCA fighter program—remains a key factor in the equation.
For now, it is noteworthy that analysts from the U.S. Congressional Research Service estimate that India will invest approximately $200 billion over the next decade to enhance its defense capabilities—an opportunity for the U.S. to gain a foothold in a market traditionally dominated by Russian military hardware. Accordingly, U.S. efforts will not be limited to selling the F-35 but will also extend to other defense platforms such as 8×8 Stryker armored vehicles and Javelin anti-tank missiles. Similar to Russia’s Su-57 offer, American companies have sweetened their proposals by including provisions for Indian industry participation in production—one of Modi’s key policies to bolster self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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