Military Technology
What is the current status of Donald Trump's F35 fighter jets proposal to India?
India's Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh clarified that no formal offer has yet been made regarding Donald Trump's F35 fighter jets proposal. According to Singh, Trump discussed selling these state-of-the-art fighter jets during a meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Washington, D.C., but the offer remains informal at this stage. Singh emphasized that India will examine the proposal with an open mind once it becomes a firm offer. He also noted that all defense procurements in India follow a specific process, indicating that any potential F35 acquisition would need to go through established procurement channels before a decision could be made.
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WION
00:00 - 00:56
What fighter jet options is India currently considering from the US and Russia?
India is currently evaluating two major fighter jet options from competing global powers. The United States is offering its advanced F35 fighter jet, while Russia is countering with its SU57 Felon aircraft. As indicated by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, these proposals represent significant choices for India's military modernization strategy. This competition places New Delhi in a strategic position between two major defense suppliers, each offering different capabilities and advantages in terms of avionics, combat effectiveness, speed, and cost considerations. The decision will likely have important implications for India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter project and its broader position in the global defense landscape.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)WION
00:57 - 01:08
What is India's AMCA stealth fighter project and what are its goals?
India's indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) stealth fighter project aims to deliver seven squadrons by 2035. This ambitious initiative represents a significant advancement in India's military aviation capabilities, positioning the country to join an elite group of stealth aircraft manufacturers globally. The successful implementation of this project would place India alongside major military powers like the US, Russia, and China in advanced fighter jet development. The timing of this project is noteworthy as India also considers international options like the F35 and SU57 fighters.
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WION
01:58 - 02:15
What is India's response to President Trump's proposal to sell F35 fighter jets to India?
According to Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, India has not yet received any formal offer from the US regarding F35 fighter jets, despite President Trump's proposal during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Washington DC. Singh clarified that once a formal offer is made, India will evaluate it with an open mind. The Defense Secretary's statement indicates India's pragmatic approach to defense acquisitions, neither rejecting nor accepting the proposal prematurely. This stance allows India to carefully assess the strategic and technical merits of the F35 jets when an official proposal arrives.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)WION
00:00 - 00:29
How do the American F35 and Russian SU57 fighter jets compare in terms of specifications and costs?
The American F35 has a top speed of Mach 1.6 and a combat range of 1500 kilometers, with a price tag between $80-110 million per unit. In comparison, Russia's SU57 offers superior performance with a higher speed of Mach 2 and an extended range of 1900 kilometers, while costing significantly less at $35-40 million per unit. Both jets represent cutting-edge military technology being offered to India as it evaluates its defense procurement options. The comparison highlights the trade-offs between American and Russian military hardware, with the Russian option providing better specifications at a substantially lower price point.
Watch clip answer (00:52m)WION
00:57 - 01:49
Why are Ukraine's minerals so valuable and what's at stake for Ukraine and the United States?
Ukraine possesses vast mineral wealth, including rare earth metals valued at trillions of dollars, which are essential for electronics and defense technologies. These critical minerals have positioned Ukraine at the center of a global power struggle, with significant implications for both Ukraine's economy and the United States' strategic interests. For Ukraine, these resources represent tremendous economic potential, while for the United States, they offer an opportunity to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals. Complex negotiations are unfolding behind the scenes as countries vie for access to these valuable resources, making Ukraine's mineral deposits a key factor in international relations and technological advancement.
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WION
00:00 - 00:21