IAF chief says United States has not formally offered F-35 jets despite exercise participation
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh told reporters that the United States has not made an official F-35 sale offer, even though the stealth fighter flew in the Tarang Shakti drills in Jodhpur.
At the Tarang Shakti air exercise held at Jodhpur Air Force Station, Indian Air Force chief AP Singh said the United States has not presented an official offer to supply its F-35 stealth fighters to India. While the U.S. F-35 participated for the first time in the multinational drill, Singh remarked humorously to the PACAF commander that Indian personnel were not allowed close contact with the aircraft. The exercise, now in its second edition, involved seven nations such as the United States, France, Germany and Australia.
Singh also highlighted the IAF’s growth since its 1932 founding and recalled recent combat operations, including Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The remarks came on the sidelines of the event, which coincided with the IAF’s 94th anniversary celebrations.
Why it matters
The statement clarifies that India has not received a formal F-35 procurement offer, shaping expectations for future defence deals.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTBoth camps report that the IAF chief said the United States has not made a formal F-35 offer, but centrist coverage also notes his comments on a possible Russian Su-57 offer, which left-leaning coverage does not mention.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage highlights the U.S. absence of a formal F-35 offer and the chief’s humorous remark about limited access to the aircraft during the exercise.
CENTER
Centrist coverage emphasizes the lack of a formal U.S. F-35 offer while also drawing attention to the chief’s comments on a potential Russian Su-57 offer.
The left emphasises
- United States has not presented an official offer to supply F-35 jets
- Chief’s humorous remark about not being allowed near the aircraft
- Details of the multinational Tarang Shakti exercise
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