India has officially informed U.S. officials that it is not interested in acquiring the advanced F-35 stealth fighter, choosing instead to double down on its “Make in India” joint defence production strategy, per a Bloomberg report. This decision is more than a procurement preference—it marks a broader transformation in India’s defence and foreign policy, highlighting both economic imperatives and strategic autonomy.
The Context: Jet Needs and Diplomatic Tensions
Amid escalating trade friction—including U.S. President Donald Trump’s shock announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian goods—Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has made it clear that off-the-shelf purchases of high-end U.S. equipment are not a priority. While India’s Air Force faces critical capability gaps—with shrinking combat squadrons and recent experience in high-intensity operations with both Pakistan and China—the Modi government is leveraging the current economic climate to accelerate domestic defence production.
The U.S. had touted the F-35 as a means to not only enhance India’s combat potential but also deepen political-military ties as part of a broader Indo-Pacific partnership. However, Indian officials underscored that what Delhi seeks is not just the latest technology, but the know-how and manufacturing infrastructure to build and sustain such systems on Indian soil.
Strategic and Industrial Motivations
India’s rejection of the F-35 offer is fundamentally about sovereignty and industrial self-reliance.
Indigenous Capability
Since the launch of the Make in India initiative, India has seen defence production surge 174%—to ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24—and has ramped up defence exports and local R&D. Joint design and production allow India to integrate customized requirements specific to its regional threats while building a robust aerospace ecosystem.
Technology Transfer
Unlike the F-35, alternative proposals—especially from Russia with the Su-57E and Su-35M—offer full technology transfer and domestic assembly, with up to a 60% localization rate. This aligns with India’s pursuit of next-generation capabilities without long-term dependency on external suppliers.
Strategic Autonomy
India’s focus on platform co-development is also a hedge against shifting alliances and trade disputes. The ability to build and upgrade complex systems domestically reduces vulnerability to sanctions, price hikes, or technology embargoes by foreign suppliers.
Why India Still Needs Advanced Strike Jets
India’s recent air operations, notably during the conflict with Pakistan, highlighted the need for deep-strike platforms that can penetrate sophisticated air defence networks and deliver both stand-off and precision weapons. While current assets like Rafale and Su-30MKI provide strong capability, India’s projected threat landscape means fifth-generation stealth aircraft are crucial for deterring adversaries and maintaining regional air superiority.
Yet, with India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program aiming for a 2028-29 prototype—and planned induction in the early 2030s—Delhi must balance short-term squadron gaps with its long-term ambition for a wholly indigenous stealth fleet. Partnering on domestic design, as opposed to buying the F-35, is thus not just a matter of industrial pride but strategic necessity.
The Future of India-U.S. Defence Relations
Despite this rejection, bilateral military ties remain robust. India and the U.S. are poised to sign a new 10-year Defence Framework to boost joint exercises, weapons development, and logistics cooperation. However, India’s message is unequivocal: closer partnership is welcome, but only on terms that advance Indian self-reliance and support a multipolar Indo-Pacific security order.
