As the United States intensifies its push for deeper defence ties with India, discussions surrounding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets have sparked mixed reactions among Indian defence industry leaders. While some view the offer as a testament to Indias growing strategic importance, others question its relevance and long-term benefits for Indias military needs. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, sees the F-35 offer as a significant milestone in US-India relations. He highlighted that the very fact that Washington is considering selling the advanced fighter jets to India signifies the countrys inclusion in an elite group of nations. Kalyani also pointed out that India currently does not possess any indigenous fighter jet technology comparable to the F-35, suggesting that acquiring such advanced platforms could enhance Indias defence capabilities.

However, not all industry leaders share this enthusiasm. Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director of Zen Technologies, expressed strong reservations about the deal, dismissing the F-35 as a white elephant due to its high costs and reported design flaws. He cited Tesla CEO Elon Musks criticism of the F-35, arguing that India should prioritize emerging defence technologies such as drones and anti-drone systems rather than investing in expensive, traditional fighter jets. The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world but also among the most expensive. The total lifetime cost of the program is estimated at $1.7 trillion, with unit prices ranging between $80 million and $115 million. Additionally, the operational expenses are significant, with each flight hour costing approximately $36,000.

Beyond fighter jets, the US has been advocating for India to consider acquiring other defence systems, including the Javelin anti-tank guided missile and Striker infantry combat vehicles. While some experts worry that these deals might hinder Indias efforts to develop its indigenous defence industry, Kalyani believes they could provide long-term opportunities for Indian companies in maintenance, repair, and supply chain integration. Atluri, however, insists that India must prioritize joint development and intellectual property ownership rather than merely integrating into American supply chains. He argues that instead of becoming a servicing hub for US defence equipment, India should focus on designing, developing, and co-owning advanced military technologies to strengthen its self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Disclaimer: This Image is taken from The Economic Time.