Archive · 3 Aug 2026
India Rejects US F-35 Offer, Prioritizes Domestic Defense
India decided not to buy the US-made F-35 fighter jets.
The government said it wants to build its own planes instead.
Buying the F-35 would be very expensive and would let the US control the software.
Some Indian politicians said the offer was too costly.
India signed a big deal with its own company, HAL, to make new fighters at home.
India declined US offer to buy F-35 stealth fighters.
Decision driven by focus on indigenous fighter programs and self‑reliance.
Indian government cited high costs and US software control restrictions.
Opposition parties criticized the offer as expensive and unnecessary.
India signed a $7.03 billion deal with HAL for domestic fighters.
- Who
- Indian government, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, opposition parties, US officials
- What
- Declining US offer to buy F-35 stealth fighter jets
- When
- February 2025 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States
- Where
- India and United States
- Why
- Prioritizing domestic defense production, high costs, and US software control restrictions
- Decision
- India declined US offer to purchase F-35 jets
- Reason
- Focus on indigenous fighter programs and self-reliance
- Cost
- High acquisition and maintenance expenses
- Domestic Deal
- $7.03 billion HAL fighter contract
- US Offer
- Part of broader US military sales to India