US-India Defense Cooperation
What military support is the U.S. offering to India?
The U.S. is significantly enhancing its military cooperation with India through increased sales by many billions of dollars starting this year. Beyond immediate financial commitments, the U.S. is creating a pathway to provide India with advanced F-35 stealth fighters in the future. This military support represents a strategic deepening of defense ties between the two nations, positioning the United States as a key security partner for India amidst evolving regional dynamics in South Asia.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
WION
00:09 - 00:22
What are the key specifications and capabilities of the Tejas multirole fighter jet?
The Tejas is one of the world's smallest supersonic multirole fighter jets, measuring 13.2 meters in length with an 8.2-meter delta wing configuration. It features a 16,000-meter service ceiling, 3,000 km range, and 5,300 kg payload capacity. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F414-GE400 afterburning turbofan engine. The Tejas incorporates advanced technology including an indigenously built UTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array radar capable of tracking 50 targets and engaging 4 simultaneously, modern digital cockpit, and fly-by-wire controls. It can deploy various weapons including Vympel R73 short-range missiles, Astra BVR missiles, and precision-guided munitions, making it a cost-effective and highly maneuverable fourth-generation fighter.
Watch clip answer (09:11m)
AiTelly
00:39 - 09:51
How do the American F35 and Russian SU57 fighter jets compare in terms of specifications and price?
The F35 fighter jet offers impressive specifications with a top speed of Mach 1.6 and a combat range of 1500km. However, this advanced American aircraft comes with a substantial price tag ranging from $80 to $110 million per unit. The comparison between these two frontline jets was highlighted during a recent aero show in Bengaluru, where the American F35 and Russian SU57 felon were showcased in what was described as a duel between these advanced military aircraft.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)
WION
01:11 - 01:39
What is India's stance on Donald Trump's F35 fighter jets proposal?
India's Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has clarified India's position on Trump's F35 fighter jet proposal following the meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Modi in Washington. Singh indicated that while no formal offer exists yet, India remains open-minded about evaluating the proposal once it's officially presented. The statement came after Trump offered to sell these state-of-the-art fighter jets to India during their recent diplomatic engagement. This development represents a significant potential shift in India's defense procurement strategy.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)WION
00:00 - 00:18
What is India's approach to stealth fighter technology amid the potential F35 offer from the US?
India is pursuing a dual strategy regarding stealth fighter technology. While open to considering the US F35 offer, India is simultaneously developing its indigenous AMCA stealth fighter project with ambitious goals to deliver seven squadrons by 2035. This indigenous program aims to position India among an elite group of stealth aircraft manufacturers that currently includes only the United States, Russia, and China. The timing of these developments highlights India's strategic vision to both collaborate internationally while developing domestic aerospace capabilities.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)WION
02:02 - 02:19
How do the F35 and SU57 fighter jets compare in terms of specifications and cost?
The F35 features a top speed of Mach 1.6, a combat range of 1500km, and costs between $80-110 million per unit. It offers advanced avionics and benefits from an established global supply chain. Russia's SU57, by comparison, outperforms in speed at Mach 2 and range at 1900km, while being significantly more affordable at $35-40 million per unit. Despite the SU57's advantages in raw performance metrics and cost-efficiency, the F35's sophisticated avionics systems and reliable supply chain infrastructure provide distinct strategic advantages that may justify its premium pricing for certain military requirements.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)WION
01:21 - 02:01