US-India Defense Cooperation
What are the key specifications and price differences between the US F35 and the Russian SU57 fighter jets?
The F35 offers advanced avionics with a combat range of 1500km and comes with a price tag of $80-110 million per unit. It also features established global supply chain advantages that add to its value proposition despite the higher cost. In comparison, Russia's SU57 has Mach 2 speed capability and a longer range of 1900km. It costs significantly less at $35-40 million dollars, making it a more economical option. However, the F35's advanced avionics and established global supply chain offer distinct advantages that could justify the premium price for India's defense needs.
Watch clip answer (00:30m)
WION
01:31 - 02:01
What fighter jet options is India currently considering from foreign suppliers?
India is currently evaluating two major fighter jet options from foreign suppliers. The United States is looking to sell India its F35s, while Russia is promoting its SU57 felon aircraft. According to Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, these two choices were prominently featured in a duel at the recent Bengaluru Aero Show. While both aircraft represent advanced stealth fighter technology, no formal agreement has been finalized yet. India is carefully weighing these options as part of its broader strategy to modernize its air force capabilities, even as it simultaneously develops its indigenous stealth fighter program.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)WION
00:58 - 01:20
What is India's position on Donald Trump's F35 fighter jets proposal?
India's Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has clarified that while US President Donald Trump offered to sell F35 fighter jets to India during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Washington, no formal offer has been made yet. Singh indicated that India remains open-minded and will examine the proposal once it is formally presented. The Defense Secretary's statement effectively clears the air around Trump's proposal, suggesting that India is neither rejecting nor immediately accepting the offer, but will follow appropriate procurement processes when an official proposal is received.
Watch clip answer (00:30m)WION
00:00 - 00:31
How do the F35 and SU57 fighter jets compare in terms of specifications and advantages?
The F35 features a top speed of Mach 1.6, 1500km combat range, and costs $80-110 million per unit, with advanced avionics and an established global supply chain providing distinct advantages. In contrast, Russia's SU57 offers superior performance with Mach 2 speed and 1900km range at a significantly lower price point of $35-40 million dollars. This comparison comes as India considers its defense options while simultaneously developing its indigenous AMCA stealth fighter project, which aims to deliver seven squadrons by 2035. This advancement would place India among an elite group of nations with stealth aircraft capabilities.
Watch clip answer (00:54m)WION
01:21 - 02:15
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.
Watch clip answer (00:56m)
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