US Analysts Urge Washington to Overcome F-35 Export Hurdles for India's Military Needs

F-35 Acquisition for India: A Complex Web of Support and Skepticism

In recent years, the Indian military has been actively seeking to modernize its fighter fleet, with the F-35 Lightning II emerging as a potential candidate. However, the US has been hesitant to offer the aircraft to India, citing concerns over the country's defence relationship with Russia. Despite this, a small but vocal chorus of foreign analysts and officials has been pushing Washington to reconsider its stance.

One of the most prominent advocates for the F-35 in India is Brandon J. Weichert, a US national-security analyst and author. In a recent article published in The National Interest, Weichert argued that the US should set aside its reservations and offer the F-35 to India, citing the potential benefits of deepening defence ties between the two countries. Weichert also suggested that keeping the F-35 out of India's reach could drive the country closer to Russia, potentially leading to a loss of strategic influence for the US.

Weichert is not alone in his support for the F-35 in India. Reuven Azar, Israel's ambassador to India, has also publicly endorsed the idea, citing the operational success of Israel's own F-35 fleet. Azar argued that an Indian acquisition of the F-35 would give New Delhi a significant advantage in the region, and would be a major boost to its air power capabilities.

Another advocate for the F-35 in India is Vivek Sapru, a Canadian defence analyst who has written extensively on the topic. In an article titled "Indian Lightning: The Case for the Export of the F-35 to India," Sapru argued that the aircraft could help address India's long-standing fighter squadron shortfall, while also providing a stealth capability against increasingly capable regional air forces. Sapru also suggested that the F-35 could help reduce India's dependence on Russian-origin combat aircraft and equipment.

However, not all foreign analysts are convinced that the F-35 is the right choice for India. Abraham Abrams, a British F-35 specialist, has argued that the aircraft may not be an obvious choice for India due to the restrictions that come with it. Abrams noted that India has sought greater control over its weapons, software, maintenance, and operational employment, which could be at odds with the tightly controlled US-led ecosystem that the F-35 operates within.

The debate over the F-35 in India has also received a more direct rejection from some American defence commentators. An analysis published in 19FortyFive argued that India would be unlikely to accept the F-35 due to concerns over sovereignty, technological access, and operational autonomy.

The debate over the F-35 in India is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the country's unique defence requirements and strategic priorities. While some foreign analysts and officials have come out in support of the aircraft, others have expressed significant skepticism. For now, the debate remains at the level of commentary and strategic advocacy, with no clear indication that India has decided to pursue the F-35.

Key Takeaways

• A small but vocal chorus of foreign analysts and officials, including Brandon J. Weichert and Reuven Azar, have been pushing Washington to offer the F-35 to India.
• The F-35 could help address India's long-standing fighter squadron shortfall and provide a stealth capability against regional air forces.
• However, the aircraft may not be an obvious choice for India due to concerns over sovereignty, technological access, and operational autonomy.
• The debate over the F-35 in India reflects the country's unique defence requirements and strategic priorities.
• For now, the debate remains at the level of commentary and strategic advocacy, with no clear indication that India has decided to pursue the F-35.