No Official US Offer to Sell F-35 Fighters to India, Says IAF Chief A.P. Singh

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has clarified that the United States has made no official offer to sell its fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to India, dismissing reports that Washington had proposed the deal and New Delhi had rejected it.

Singh made the remarks on Saturday at a press conference held on the sidelines of the concluding ceremony of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026 in Jodhpur.

Responding to a question about the reported F-35 offer, Singh made a light-hearted remark while sitting alongside the commander of the US Air Force’s Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

“These people don’t even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us,” he said.

His comments sought to dispel speculation about India’s purported decision not to proceed with the acquisition of the American stealth fighter. Singh’s clarification indicated that no formal offer had been made, contrary to reports suggesting that India had turned down a US proposal.

The IAF chief also addressed the possibility of India acquiring Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter aircraft. He said the Russian offer was yet to be considered and that no decision had been taken.

India is continuing to assess its future combat aircraft requirements while pursuing the development of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The country is also working towards developing its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft as part of its long-term effort to strengthen self-reliance in defence technology and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Meanwhile, Singh described the conclusion of Tarang Shakti-2026, the second edition of the multinational air exercise, as a proud moment for the Indian Air Force.

“It is indeed a very proud day for me today that we are in the final stage of Exercise Tarang Shakti, the second version of it,” he said.

Recalling the exercise’s launch in 2024, Singh said the original plan was to hold it every two years. He added that the schedule had been better aligned with the monsoon season to minimise weather-related disruptions.

“Last time we had some disruptions because of weather, so this time the exercise has gone through without any weather disruptions; I’m happy,” he said.

Tarang Shakti-2026 brought together the Indian Air Force and air forces from eight participating nations, providing a platform for operational cooperation, professional exchanges and improved interoperability among the participating forces.