US has made no formal F-35 offer to India, says IAF chief

The Indian Air Force has dismissed speculation about acquiring the US F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, with the service's top commander stating that America has not made an official offer for the multi-role combat aircraft. The clarification came even as the F-35 participated in Tarang Shakti, a multilateral air exercise hosted at Jodhpur Air Force Station, marking its debut at the biennial event. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa noted that operational constraints limit India's exposure to the advanced platform. "Your people don't let us near the aircraft," the Air Chief Marshal remarked, pointing to US restrictions on technology access and pilot familiarization with the jet. The F-35's participation in the exercise reflected broader defence cooperation between India and the United States, though the American side has not pursued formal discussions on procurement. India's fighter acquisition strategy has centred on the Rafale aircraft from France, with additional platforms under consideration through ongoing defence partnerships with multiple countries.