Why India Won’t Buy the F-35 Fighter Jets from the U.S. ?

Why India Is Steering Clear of the F-35 Deal with the U.S.: Strategic Autonomy Over American Supremacy?

India’s decision not to procure the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets from the United States has stirred strategic discussions across global defence circles. At first glance, the F-35—boasting stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and multi-role versatility—appears to be a perfect addition to any modern air force. However, India’s hesitation is rooted in far more than just pricing or availability. New Delhi’s strategic priorities emphasize defence autonomy, diversified procurement, and operational sovereignty. India has been incrementally investing in indigenous platforms like the Tejas Mk-1A, the upcoming AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), and joint-development programs such as the BrahMos and FGFA (with Russia earlier). By steering away from F-35 acquisitions, India retains the flexibility to integrate weapons systems from a mix of allies, including Russia, France, and Israel—something the U.S. has traditionally restricted through strict export controls and embedded surveillance software in its high-end tech. The F-35 also raises interoperability and dependency concerns, as the platform is deeply integrated with U.S. digital infrastructure and maintenance ecosystems. India’s air doctrine seeks not just next-gen platforms but systems that can operate seamlessly with its existing fleet of Su-30MKIs, Rafales, and Mirages—making integration a potential logistical headache.

Moreover, geopolitically, India’s foreign policy is anchored in “strategic autonomy,” where alliances are not bound by NATO-like obligations but are based on issue-based cooperation. Committing to the F-35 would, in some eyes, align India too closely with the Western bloc, undermining its long-standing position of non-alignment. Financially, the cost of acquisition and lifecycle maintenance of the F-35 far exceeds most competing aircraft, pushing India to focus on bang-for-buck alternatives like the Rafale and Su-57 (should future collaboration occur). Additionally, the U.S.’s reluctance to share core technologies—as seen in past negotiations—clashes with India’s insistence on technology transfer and domestic assembly to boost “Make in India” initiatives. From a threat perception angle, India's focus is on high-altitude warfare (e.g., Ladakh), for which rugged and customizable aircraft may prove more operationally viable than the relatively delicate F-35. Indian Air Force veterans have also cited logistical constraints, like the lack of sufficient hardened shelters and airbases suited for 5th-gen maintenance. Lastly, national pride and defence independence play crucial roles. India is on a trajectory to become a net defence exporter. Buying the F-35 may send a message of dependency rather than confidence in its domestic innovation. While the F-35 remains a cutting-edge marvel, India’s rejection isn’t a reflection of its quality—it’s a testament to India’s evolving doctrine that places autonomy, cost-efficiency, and operational adaptability above elite hardware that comes with strings attached.

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