Trump promises India's Modi F-35 fighters as Su-57 alternative

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Feb 2025 04:58

US President Donald Trump says that Washington will look to increase military exports to India this year.

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President Donald Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Washington, the United States, on February 13, 2025. (AP)

United States President Donald Trump announced that the country will look to significantly increase military sales to India, "to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters."

Trump, who spoke at a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoped to increase arms exports to India by "many billions of dollars."

Outside of NATO, only "Israel", Japan, and South Korea operate fifth-generation stealth fighters, placing India in an exclusive group if the deliveries are made. The country has long been in pursuit of a fifth-generation stealth fighter and even patterned with Russia to develop one, however, it pulled out in 2018 following complications.

That project led to the production of the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter, which faced off against the F-35 jet at the India Air Show this week. Trump's announcement comes after Russia offered the Indian government Su-57 fighters, an Indian official told Reuters.

Indian authorities are yet to confirm what offer they will be taking up. It is worth noting that at least 1,000 F-35 jets have been produced to this day, while only 32 Su-57s are reported to be operated by the Russian Air Force.

F-35s to come as part of a larger package?

However, the Indian Air Force primarily relies on Russian-designed fighters, notably the Su-30MKI multirole air superiority fighter and the MiG-29. Integrating an American platform like the F-35 would require significant adjustments, making the Su-57 a more seamless alternative.

In any case, acquiring a substantial fleet of fifth-generation stealth fighters would significantly enhance India's air power, positioning it ahead of Pakistan's while ensuring it can counter China's J-20 fighters.

Trump's offer aligns with his ongoing policy of expansive tariffs and sanctions, affecting even the closest US allies. At the same conference, Modi emphasized that both nations aim to finalize a "mutually beneficial trade agreement."

"In order to ensure India's energy security, we will focus on trade in oil and gas. Investment in energy infrastructure will also increase in the area of nuclear energy," Modi said.

The Indian prime minister also said that the pact would be finalized soon.