India may buy F-35 fighter planes following Rafale model: Report
What's the story
India is reportedly considering a restricted government-to-government purchase of F-35 fighter planes from the United States. The potential acquisition would follow a similar model to India's previous Rafale deal with France. The discussion was sparked by US President Donald Trump's recent statement expressing optimism about selling F-35 warplanes to India during a press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Indian officials have downplayed the likelihood of an imminent deal.
Strategic move
F-35 purchase to address IAF's fighter plane shortage
The Economic Times reported that the Indian government may go for a handful of F-35s to meet the IAF's dire need for fighter planes. The IAF currently operates merely 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 43, with two MiG-21 squadrons barely operational due to safety concerns. The possible purchase, however, isn't meant to make the F-35 the IAF's mainstay or replace India's indigenous Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, the report added.
Deal considerations
AMCA program delays and potential F-35 deal conditions
The AMCA program won't deliver aircraft before 2036, and delays are expected given India's manufacturing record. Any F-35 deal could also have additional conditions, like US oversight to prevent access by personnel from other countries like Russia, and restrictions on integrating F-35s with Russian S-400 air defense systems. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified the acquisition process for F-35s hasn't started yet, saying "There is a process by which platforms are acquired... I don't think with regard to the acquisition of an advanced aviation platform by India, that process has started as yet."
Number game
F-35 fighter jet is priced anywhere over $80 million
India will join the list of nations with an F-35 aircraft fleet if this agreement is completed. Because of the high acquisition prices, as well as increased maintenance and operation expenditures, the country may only purchase a limited number of jets. According to statistics gathered from several media publications, the cost of a single F-35 fighter jet can exceed $80 million per unit, depending on the variant of the aircraft obtained.