Jodhpur, October 11, 2026: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh has clarified that the United States has not formally offered to sell its F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to India, addressing speculation surrounding a possible acquisition of the advanced military platform.
Speaking at a press conference marking the conclusion of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, Singh responded humorously to questions about the reported American proposal. Sitting alongside General Kevin Schneider, commander of the US Pacific Air Forces, he pointed out the contrast between discussions about a possible sale and the restricted access Indian personnel had been given to the aircraft during the exercise.
His remarks clarified that reports suggesting India had received and rejected a formal F-35 offer did not reflect the position he described.
F-35 Makes Its First Appearance in an Indian Air Exercise
The latest discussion comes as the American F-35A Lightning II participated in Tarang Shakti 2026, marking the aircraft's first appearance in a multinational air exercise conducted on Indian soil.
Six US Air Force F-35A aircraft took part in the exercise at Jodhpur, accompanied by more than 200 personnel. The event provided an opportunity for participating air forces to exchange operational experience and observe different approaches to modern air combat.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter designed to combine low observability, advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities and information sharing. These features allow it to collect and process battlefield information while operating alongside other aircraft and military assets.
However, participation in a joint exercise does not automatically indicate that a country intends to purchase the aircraft. The Indian Air Force's assessment of its future requirements remains separate from the presence of foreign platforms at such events.
India's Position on the Russian Su-57 Also Remains Open
Singh also addressed the possibility of India considering Russia's Su-57, another fifth-generation fighter aircraft. He indicated that a Russian proposal had come to the government's attention but said no decision had been taken on whether the Indian Air Force should evaluate the aircraft.
Any assessment would depend on the government's direction and how effectively the platform meets India's operational requirements.
The Su-57 and F-35 represent different approaches to fifth-generation fighter design. Their suitability for India would need to be judged against factors such as mission requirements, integration with existing systems, acquisition costs, maintenance arrangements and long-term technological independence.
The comments therefore suggest that the immediate question is not which foreign fighter India will purchase, but whether a formal evaluation of a proposed aircraft should take place in the first instance.
Indian Air Force Faces Pressure to Modernise Its Fleet
India continues to face the challenge of maintaining sufficient fighter aircraft numbers while replacing ageing platforms and developing more advanced domestic systems.
The Indian Air Force has been pursuing a combination of new aircraft procurement, upgrades to existing fleets and indigenous development programmes. These efforts include the Tejas light combat aircraft programme and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) initiative, which is intended to support India's longer-term ambitions in fifth-generation fighter technology.
Developing a domestically designed combat aircraft involves substantial technical challenges, including engine development, stealth characteristics, sensor integration and testing. Progress in these areas is important to reducing long-term dependence on overseas suppliers.
At the same time, delays in aircraft production and delivery can complicate fleet planning, making timely procurement and the availability of operational aircraft important considerations for the service.
Defence Partnerships and Strategic Independence
India's engagement with both the United States and Russia reflects its wider approach to defence cooperation. New Delhi has expanded military exercises and technology partnerships with several countries while retaining a focus on strategic autonomy.
Acquiring a sophisticated foreign fighter would involve more than purchasing the aircraft itself. Training, maintenance, spare parts, software support, weapons integration and access to sensitive technologies would also influence the overall value of any potential deal.
The absence of a formal F-35 offer, as described by the IAF chief, means there is no confirmed purchase proposal to assess at present. Similarly, the Russian Su-57 option remains at a preliminary stage until the government decides whether the aircraft should undergo an evaluation.
Tarang Shakti Highlights Growing Air Force Cooperation
Tarang Shakti provides a platform for India and partner countries to train together, exchange professional knowledge and improve coordination between participating air forces.
The 2026 edition brought foreign air forces to India for joint activities involving different aircraft and operational practices. Such exercises help participating services understand one another's capabilities without necessarily committing to future procurement arrangements.
Singh's comments have consequently brought attention to the distinction between military cooperation, informal discussions about defence equipment and a formal acquisition process.
For India, the next steps in fighter modernisation will depend on operational needs, government decisions and the pace of domestic aerospace development. Until an official proposal is received or a formal evaluation is authorised, speculation about acquiring either the American F-35 or the Russian Su-57 should not be treated as a confirmed procurement decision.
