Trump offers F-35 to India, as US pledges to boost military sales by “billions”
Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II aircraft features advanced stealth capabilities and could give a much needed boost to India’s air force. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
US President Donald Trump disclosed in a joint press conference with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, that the US would look for opportunities to supply Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter aircraft to India as the country looks to modernise its fleet.
The US has said it would increase military sales to India, starting in 2025, where it would find a path to “eventually supply” the country with F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, to deepen defence ties.
In a joint statement at the White House, during a state visit from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Trump said that the US would increase the sales “by many billions of dollars. We're also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters”.
While the Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reportedly said that this was at the “proposal stage”, no further information was given on the number of aircraft under discussion.
Related Articles
Indian defence budget boosted by 9% as MoD heralds a “year of reforms”
If a sale does go ahead, India will join Japan, Singapore and South Korea as operators of the combat multi-role aircraft in Asia.
Also on the table for consideration is Russia’s new Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft. Russia’s United Aviation Cooperation, and its CEO Vadim Badekha, confirmed on Telegram on 10 February that it intends to offer the aircraft to India, reportedly offering both joint development and local production opportunities for the Su-57 in India.
Both the Su-57 and F-35 were showcased at Aero India, taking place this week.
India is currently trying to bolster its waning combat aircraft fleet, with its air force currently operating multi-role combat aircraft a largely derived from ex-Soviet and Russian aircraft, including Sukhoi Su-30s and MiG-21s.
It has reportedly fallen to fielding only 31 squadrons compared with its target of 42, setting it at a disadvantage against neighbours Pakistan, who is reportedly receiving China’s J-35 fighter jet.
Its multi-role fighter aircraft (MFA) competition has stalled in recent years, however the country reportedly was undergoing discussions to resurrect the competition to purchase 114 multi-role fighters in 2024.
The most recent US-Indian defence deal was with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ for 31 MQ-9B uncrewed aerial vehicles, of which a US$4 billion value contract was signed in October 2024.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
MRCA - Multi Role Combat Aircraft (Fighter) [India]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
-
![India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify]()
India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify
India’s major helicopter programmes are under the spotlight as the country turns to global partners to replace legacy helicopters with growing urgency.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the most mature CCA platform currently under development, with Boeing looking to accelerate its timelines and development of the aircraft.
