Archive · 11 Oct 2026
IAF Chief Says No Formal US Offer for F-35s
India’s air force chief spoke about two advanced fighter planes.
He said the United States has not officially offered to sell India its F-35.
He joked that US personnel do not let Indian officials get close to the aircraft.
Russia has made an offer involving its Su-57, but India has not decided whether to evaluate it.
The air force would assess the Su-57 if the government asks it to.
India is also working on developing its own fifth-generation fighter.
Singh made these comments in Jodhpur at the end of an international air exercise.
The exercise brought together air forces from eight nations, including India.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said the United States had made no official offer to sell F-35 fighters to India.
Singh joked that US personnel do not let Indian officials get close to the aircraft.
He said Russia had made an offer involving its Su-57, but no decision has been made on whether to evaluate it.
Singh said the IAF would assess the Su-57 against its requirements if the government directs it to do so.
He spoke at the closing ceremony of Tarang Shakti-2026 in Jodhpur, an exercise involving air forces from eight nations, including India.
- Who
- Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh.
- What
- Singh said the US had made no formal F-35 offer to India and that no decision had been made on evaluating Russia’s Su-57.
- When
- Saturday, at the concluding ceremony of Tarang Shakti-2026.
- Where
- Jodhpur, India.
- Why
- Singh was responding to questions about reported fighter-jet offers and India's future combat aircraft requirements.
Reports of an F-35 Offer
IAF Chief's Clarification
Whether the US formally offered to sell F-35s
Reports of an F-35 Offer
Reports and speculation suggested the United States had offered F-35 fighters to India and that India had rejected the proposal.
IAF Chief's Clarification
Singh said no official offer to sell F-35s had been made to India.
- F-35
- Singh said the United States had made no official offer to sell the fighter to India.
- Su-57
- Singh said Russia had made an offer, but no decision had been taken on whether to evaluate the aircraft.
- Possible evaluation
- The IAF would assess how well the Su-57 meets its requirements if the government directs it to.
- Speaker
- Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, chief of the Indian Air Force.
- Location
- The press conference took place in Jodhpur.
- Exercise
- Tarang Shakti-2026 brought together the Indian Air Force and participating air forces from eight nations, including India.
- India's fighter plans
- India is pursuing development of its own fifth-generation fighter as part of plans to strengthen defence self-reliance.
Sources
US wants to sell F-35 jets to India? IAF chief’s sharp response clears the air
IAF Chief: US Made No Formal Offer to Sell F-35 Jets to India
No official US offer to sell F-35 fighters to India, says IAF Chief AP Singh
No formal US offer for F-35 jets to India, no decision on Russian Su-57: IAF chief
