India’s F-35 Quagmire: Security Guarantor or Achilles’ Heel?

India should approach the US offer of F-35s with caution as without certain operational guarantees the much-talked fifth-generation stealth aircraft could become the country's vulnerable weakness rather than a security safeguard, Bengaluru-based defence, aerospace and political analyst Girish Linganna told Sputnik India on Monday.

The F-35 offers India advanced stealth capabilities and enhanced air superiority, but it comes with significant challenges, the military expert stated.

"The lack of complete technology transfer and local production means India would rely heavily on the US for spares and maintenance, potentially compromising operational readiness during conflicts. Furthermore, it restricts India's ability to develop indigenous capabilities and compromises long-term self-reliance," Linganna stressed.

Strict usage guidelines could also limit India's strategic autonomy, affecting its ability to respond independently to regional threats, he remarked.

Additionally, the financial burden of acquiring and maintaining the F-35 could strain India's defence budget, limiting investments in other critical areas, the aviation watcher highlighted.

"These dependencies and restrictions might make it more of an Achilles' heel than a security guarantor," Linganna underscored.

On the other hand, Russia's Su-57 offer includes full transfer of technology (ToT) and control over local production. Besides, support for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, including key components like engines, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, and advanced weapons, enhances India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the observer noted.

It is worth noting that Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms exporter is of the view that the production of Su-57 can begin in India as soon as this year.

U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft F-16 lands after performing as Indian Air Force officials check out Russia's Su-57 fighter aircraft, on display at the Aero India 2025, a biennial event, at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) manufacturing facility in Maharashtra's Nashik is tipped to host the production unit of the Felons if India agrees to Russia's proposed deal.

"Rosoboronexport, together with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), proposes to localise FGFA aircraft in India. This production of the FGFA at the HAL plant might take place as early as 2025. It can be provided this year itself," a company official said during the AERO India show last week.

Such assistance strengthens India's indigenous capabilities and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers. This collaboration aligns with India's long-term goals of achieving greater strategic autonomy and technological self-sufficiency, Linganna pointed out.

Balancing the acquisition of the F-35 or Su-57 with the benefits of the AMCA program is crucial. While the F-35 adds immediate combat capabilities, the AMCA program ensures sustainable, homegrown development, he stated.

"India's decision should weigh the short-term gains of the F-35 against the long-term strategic independence offered by the AMCA program, considering potential dependencies and the need for a robust, self-reliant defence ecosystem," Linganna concluded.

India would definitely like to have a transfer of technology, whether the US likes it or not, retired Group Captain DK Pandey told Sputnik india.

Moreover, various factors will be at play when India decides to induct either the Lockheed Martin-manufactured F-35 or the United Aircraft Corporation's Su-57 Felon, he suggested. The main points of consideration would be:

India's decision should be based on its long-term interests;

Timeline of aircraft deliveries;

The cost of acquisition and maintenance of a single unit of the warplane;

The degree of transfer of technology.

"The IAF should form a committee to evaluate the two aircraft and the deals being offered to India because the country's requirements are completely different. After all, India cannot sit idle when two of its chief adversaries are on the verge of inducting stealth fighters in large numbers in their Air Forces," Pandey emphasised.

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