When the news broke that India rejected the F-35 fighter jet offer from the United States, reactions were mixed. Some saw it as walking away from one of the most advanced stealth fighters in the world. For me, it was not a setback but a deliberate declaration that India will not compromise its strategic autonomy for short-term technological gains.
This decision comes at a defining moment for India’s aerospace ambitions. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk1, India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, is transitioning from paper to production. Rejecting the F-35 is not about avoiding a deal; it is about building something uniquely suited to India’s operational and strategic needs.
Why India Rejected the F-35?
Operational Integration Barriers
The F-35 is built for NATO-style interoperability. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), which flies a diverse fleet of Russian, European, and indigenous aircraft, integrating it would require creating an entirely new maintenance, training, and logistics ecosystem. This would drain resources and complicate fleet management.
Technology Control Restrictions
In my view, the F-35 comes with strings firmly tied to US export controls, limiting what India could change or upgrade without their nod. Even minor upgrades, such as integrating Indian-made weapons or modifying mission software, would require American approval.
A telling example comes from the UK. One of the Royal Navy’s F-35s was grounded for nearly 39 days due to a simple hydraulic fault, and Lockheed Martin engineers from the US had to be called in for repairs. This kind of dependency is exactly what India aims to avoid.
High Life-Cycle Costs
The F-35’s purchase price is only the beginning. Maintenance, spare parts, and software updates over decades would create a costly dependency on US supply chains.
Strategic Autonomy First
India’s defence philosophy prioritises sovereign control over its platforms. The F-35’s limitations simply do not align with this vision. Interestingly, Spain also rejected the F-35, citing high costs and tariff concerns. This shows that even close US allies think twice when national interests are at stake.
India–US Trade and Defence Frictions
Tariff Tensions
USA President Donald Trump’s announcement of 50% tariffs on Indian goods has strained trade negotiations, adding risk to billion-dollar defence deals.
Delayed Defence Procurements
India has paused further purchases of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, signalling caution towards major US-origin platforms.
Boeing Deal at Risk
If tensions grow, the $50 billion civilian aircraft deal with Boeing could be shelved. In my view, this would hurt the US more than India, which can diversify suppliers.
National Interest Above All
India continues to import Russian oil despite US pressure, ensuring domestic energy stability. This is a clear sign that national interest comes before diplomatic demands.
AMCA Mk1 – India’s Fifth-Generation Answer
Indigenous Design and Control
The AMCA Mk1, developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is designed for low radar observability, internal weapons bays, and advanced avionics — all under India’s complete control.
Power and Capability
It will initially use GE F414 engines, with the AMCA Mk2 set to feature a 110 kN-class indigenous powerplant. The aircraft will feature AI-assisted avionics, sensor fusion, supercruise capability, and advanced electronic warfare systems.
Timelines and Urgency
Originally targeting a first flight in 2028 and production in 2035, momentum is now building to advance Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to 2030. This step has become essential following the rejection of the F-35.
Lessons From Other Countries
Spain’s refusal to buy the F-35 over tariff and cost concerns mirrors India’s stance. Even close US allies worry about long-term dependency.
Turkey’s removal from the F-35 programme after political tensions with Washington is another warning. Relying on a single foreign source for frontline fighters can be strategically risky.
How AMCA Compares Globally
| Feature / Aircraft | AMCA Mk1 (India) | F-35A Lightning II (USA) | Su-57 Felon (Russia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | 5th Gen Stealth | 5th Gen Stealth | 5th Gen Stealth (claimed) |
| Engine Thrust | 98 kN (GE F414) | 191 kN combined | 147 kN combined |
| Combat Radius | ~1,000 km | ~1,090 km | ~1,100 km |
| Stealth Level | Low RCS design | Very low RCS | Moderate RCS |
| Top Speed | Mach 2.0 | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.0 |
| Avionics Control | Fully indigenous | Controlled by US | Controlled by Russia |
| Upgrade Freedom | Full control | Restricted | Restricted |
| Production Status | In design | Mass production | Limited production |
While the F-35’s stealth edge is clear today, the AMCA offers full sovereignty in design and upgrades, an advantage that will grow over the decades.
Why Fast-Tracking AMCA Mk1 Is Critical
Funding and Political Will
Multi-year budgets with strict oversight are essential to keep the programme on schedule. Political commitment is equally as important as engineering expertise.
Public-Private Collaboration
Private aerospace firms can contribute composites, avionics, and subsystems, freeing HAL and ADA for integration and testing.
Aggressive Testing
Shortening prototype-to-production timelines will help bridge the IAF’s capability gap sooner.
Smart Tech Partnerships
India can still collaborate with trusted nations for niche technologies like stealth coatings and radar systems, but on its terms.
Expanding IAF Orders for Maximum Impact
Two squadrons (36–40 jets) of AMCA Mk1 are planned, but expanding to four squadrons (72–80 jets) would:
- Achieve economies of scale
- Support block upgrades in stealth and avionics
- Keep production lines active until AMCA Mk2
The Bigger Picture
Boost to Defence Industry
A strong AMCA programme will drive innovation into UAVs, missiles, and civilian aerospace.
Geopolitical Signalling
By rejecting the F-35, India shows it will not anchor its defence capabilities to a single bloc.
Economic Impact
Indigenous production will create thousands of skilled jobs and strengthen the aerospace ecosystem.
My Projection for 2032
If AMCA Mk1 is accelerated and orders are expanded, the IAF could operate:
- 72 AMCA Mk1 stealth fighters
- ~150 Rafale and Tejas Mk2 jets
- 120 Tejas Mk1A for air defence
- UCAVs from the Ghatak programme
This force mix would give India unmatched flexibility in the Indo-Pacific.
FAQs
1. Why did India reject the F-35?
To maintain strategic autonomy, avoid restrictive US controls, and prioritise indigenous fifth-generation capability.
2. When will AMCA Mk1 be operational?
If accelerated, Low-Rate Initial Production could start by 2030.
3. Can AMCA match global fifth-generation fighters?
Yes, in stealth and avionics, while offering sovereign upgrade freedom.
Conclusion: A Calculated Bet on India’s Future
India’s rejection of the F-35 is not a missed opportunity; it is a calculated investment in a self-reliant future. The AMCA path carries risks, but it offers unmatched rewards such as technological depth, industrial growth, and strategic independence.
If managed with discipline and ambition, the AMCA could take to the skies in the early 2030s, placing India among the elite nations with indigenous fifth-generation fighters, on its terms.