President Donald Trump has announced plans to equip India with the cutting-edge F-35 stealth fighter. Speaking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, Trump confirmed that his administration was “paving the way” for India to eventually acquire this state-of-the-art warplane.
This historic decision marks a turning point in U.S.-India defense relations, as the F-35 had never been considered for India before. Traditionally, India has depended on Russian-made weapons systems, raising speculation about how smoothly American technology will integrate into its military. However, with increasing military collaboration between Washington and New Delhi—through port agreements and technology sharing—this bold move highlights a strengthening defense partnership.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is the most expensive weapons initiative in U.S. history, with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimating its total cost at an eye-watering $1.7 trillion for American taxpayers. While the U.S. collaborates with eight international development partners on the program, it has also authorized sales to 12 other nations, including Israel, South Korea, and Singapore. If India joins the elite club of F-35 operators, it could shift air superiority in the region and alter the balance of power in Asia.
Despite its unparalleled capabilities, the F-35 has not escaped criticism. Tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk has openly questioned the need for manned fighter jets in a world increasingly dominated by drones. In a provocative post on X last November, Musk remarked, “Meanwhile, some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35.” His comments have fueled ongoing debates over whether future air combat will rely more on piloted aircraft or autonomous drone technology.
As negotiations unfold, key questions linger—how will India integrate the F-35 into its military? How will Russia respond to this strategic pivot? And what does this mean for China’s growing military influence in the region? This story is still developing, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
