During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent highly successful visit to the United States, one of the biggest takeaways was the F-35 fighter jet, described as the ‘best gift’ from US President Donald Trump. While the fifth-generation fighter jet was hailed as a ‘game changer’ for the Indian subcontinent, defense experts had immediately expressed doubts over its operational autonomy, as control over the aircraft would always remain in the hands of the United States. This is because, without a Pentagon-issued code—or in simple terms, an ‘OTP’—the F-35 cannot even move its wings.
On Saturday, Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh emphasized that purchasing an F-35 is not like buying a fridge or a washing machine. His remarks have fueled concerns about whether Trump’s ‘biggest prize’ for Modi is truly beneficial for India. Speaking at an ‘India Today’ event about the jet’s feasibility for the Indian Air Force, Singh stated, “The F-35 cannot be bought like a washing machine or a fridge. Many factors need to be considered before making a decision. There is no doubt that the Indian Air Force needs a fifth-generation fighter jet to strengthen its capabilities. However, whether the F-35 stealth fighter is the right choice for us is not something that can be decided superficially. Before purchasing, the Air Force will have to analyze its technical viability and operational capability. Moreover, cost is also a major factor. One F-35 costs approximately ₹6,700 crore. Besides, the US has not yet formally offered the F-35 for sale to India.”
Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh’s public statement on the potential purchase of the American fighter jet has triggered debates in New Delhi, especially since Modi’s US visit was touted as a major diplomatic success, with the F-35 acquisition being a key highlight. The jet was projected as a game changer that would alter the balance of power in the subcontinent’s skies, with the Indian Air Force gaining aerial superiority. However, is the F-35 truly the breakthrough it was claimed to be? Or is this merely a symbolic gesture by Donald Trump? Though the Air Chief Marshal did not explicitly say so, his remarks hint at such skepticism. He further questioned, “China is already testing its sixth-generation fighter jet. In such a scenario, what benefit will we have if we receive a fifth-generation jet in 2035?” His statement suggests that boasting about India’s dominance with the F-35, when China is already moving ahead, is somewhat misplaced.
Beyond this, there is another significant concern—without a daily code from the Pentagon, the F-35s stationed in India cannot take off. This code functions much like the ‘one-time password’ (OTP) we use in many digital transactions. Forget using the F-35 for combat; even routine drills or sorties would require Pentagon approval. Unless the US provides the code, the jet will remain grounded. This essentially means that while India may have fifth-generation fighter jets, their operation and control will remain under American authority. If, during a conflict, India decides to use the F-35 against Pakistan but the US does not approve, the jets will be useless, locked in their hangars. Using the F-35 against any US ally is entirely out of the question. Even for countries to which the US has sold the jet, the software’s complete control remains with the Pentagon, as Lockheed Martin has never granted full software access to any external entity.
Thus, after the Air Chief Marshal’s remarks on Saturday, questions have begun to arise over the feasibility and benefits of purchasing the F-35.