The Indian Air Force is soon going to get the most advanced 5th-generation stealth fighter jet. The US has officially proposed the sale of F-35 Lightning-II to India. US President Donald Trump, announcing the deal, said that the India-US defense partnership will be taken to new heights. If this deal is finalized, it will increase the strength of the Indian Air Force manifold.
Why does India want F-35?
Current status: The Indian Air Force needs 42 squadrons, but at present only 31 squadrons are active.
China’s challenge: China has already deployed its J-20 stealth fighter and is also working on the sixth-generation J-36 fighter.
Delay in indigenous option: India’s AMCA fighter jet is still in the development process and is unlikely to join the Air Force before 2040.
Urgent need: The Indian Air Force needs stealth fighter jets now and right now to face the current challenges.
Why is the F-35 special?
The F-35 is the world’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, developed by Lockheed Martin. Its key features are:
Speed: 2,000 km per hour
Range: 2,200 km
Weapon capacity: Capable of carrying up to 8 tonnes of bombs and missiles
Stealth technology: Expert in dodging radars
Advanced avionics: Jamming enemy radars and state-of-the-art sensors
Which countries have the F-35?
Apart from the US, 19 countries have so far inducted the F-35 fighter jet into their air force. These include:
UK | Italy | Canada | Australia | Israel | Japan | South Korea | Germany | Poland | Switzerland etc.
Will this deal between India and the US be finalised?
The US understands that India needs stealth fighter jets. India is facing delays in the delivery of the Tejas fighter, the AMCA is still in its early stages and no concrete steps have been taken so far on the purchase of any foreign fighter jet. For the US, this is not just a great opportunity to sell fighter jets, but also logistics, maintenance and arms sales.
Current strength of Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the fourth most powerful air force in the world and has 616 fighter jets including:
Jaguar M/S: 130
MiG-21: 36
MiG-29: 65
Mirage 2000H/I: 44
Rafale DH/EH: 36
Su-30 MKI: 265
Tejas: 40
If India buys the F-35, it will greatly increase the strength of the Air Force and can make India the most powerful air force in Asia.
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