IAF Chief Quips Over US F-35 Access Restrictions at Jodhpur Exercise

India's top air force commander has highlighted the restrictions placed on accessing advanced American military hardware, in remarks that underscored the asymmetries in defence technology partnerships between New Delhi and Washington. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh made the pointed observation during the conclusion of Tarang Shakti-2026, a multinational air exercise hosted in Jodhpur, while an American commander was present.

The IAF chief's comment reflected India's longstanding concerns about the limited access granted to Indian defence personnel regarding the F-35 Lightning II, one of the world's most advanced fighter jets. His remark suggested that the United States restricts even Indian officials from close examination of the aircraft, let alone facilitating any meaningful transfer of technology or operational understanding.

The Tarang Shakti exercises, initiated to enhance interoperability and cooperation among air forces of friendly nations, have become an important platform for India to demonstrate its aerial capabilities and engage with global military partners. The 2026 iteration brought together aviation contingents from multiple countries to participate in joint operations and training scenarios.

India has pursued indigenous fighter jet development programmes, including the HAL Tejas, amid constraints on acquiring cutting-edge foreign military platforms. While India operates American-origin aircraft including the Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and various transport platforms, access to fifth-generation fighter technology has remained restricted under US export control regulations and strategic considerations.