Following the conclusion of the Tarang Shakti military exercise on 2026-10-11 in Jodhpur, a joint press conference brought together senior officers from the Indian Air Force and the United States Pacific Air Forces. The exercise had featured six F-35 fighter jets that had been flown in for demonstration purposes. The setting highlighted the restrictions placed on Indian personnel, who were not allowed near the F-35 or into its cockpit.
Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh stepped forward with a direct critique. He told his American counterparts that their personnel had not allowed Indian officers to approach the F-35 aircraft, let alone enter the cockpit during the demonstrations. Singh then posed a blunt question: if the jets were being offered for sale, why was such basic access being withheld? He framed the issue in his own words, saying, "Your people didn't even let us near the aircraft. And now you are saying you can sell it to us?" The remark was critical, reflecting frustration over what he perceived as a contradiction between a sales pitch and the restrictions imposed.
India Rejects F-35 Talks as IAF Chief Says ‘US Won’t Even Let Us Near It’✈️ India’s Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has said the United States has made no formal offer to sell F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to India. He also questioned Washington’s position after American personnel reportedly restricted Indian officers from approaching the aircraft during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026. The Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) chief made the remarks in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, alongside U.S. Pacific Air Forces commander General Kevin Schneider. Six @usairforce F-35A fighters participated in the multinational exercise, marking their first exercise against Indian aircraft on Indian soil. Read in detail👇🔗 https://t.co/Y7dTELmyaT #AviationNews #IndianAirForce #USAirforce
Responding to Singh’s challenge, General Kevin Schneider, the commander of US Pacific Air Forces, defended the restrictions as a matter of extreme security. He explained that certain capabilities and technologies aboard the F-35 are classified and cannot be shared with foreign partners, even close allies. Schneider’s statement emphasized that the United States must protect critical military technologies, which is why the aircraft remains off-limits for close inspection by foreign personnel. His tone was neutral, presenting the policy as a standard practice rather than a personal rebuke.
The Russian stance was described as supportive, indicating willingness to provide the Su-57 under terms that might be more permissive regarding access.
Moscow has offered its Su-57 fifth‑generation fighter jets to India. This offer came up as India evaluates multiple sources for its future fighter fleet, especially given the setbacks experienced in its own indigenous fighter development program. The Russian stance was described as supportive, indicating willingness to provide the Su-57 under terms that might be more permissive regarding access.
India’s Air Force chief has questioned American plans to sell the country F-35 stealth fighters, pointing out that US personnel reportedly won’t even allow Indian officers near the aircraft. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh made the remark during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, where six US Air Force F-35As participated alongside Indian aircraft. “Your people don’t even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us,” Singh reportedly told US Pacific Air Forces commander General Kevin Schneider. The comment highlights an awkward contradiction in Washington’s efforts to promote the fighter. President Donald Trump announced in February 2025 that the US would pave the way for India to acquire the F-35, with Vice President JD Vance subsequently discussing the possibility. Yet Singh says India has still received no formal offer. The restrictions themselves aren’t particularly surprising. The F-35 contains highly classified stealth technology, and American personnel operate under strict security requirements. India is also developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, while Russia’s Su-57 remains another potential option. Singh confirmed that India’s government has not yet authorised an evaluation of the Russian aircraft. For now, Washington is publicly discussing selling India its most advanced fighter jet, while India’s Air Force chief says his officers can’t even get close enough to inspect one. #F35 #IndianAirForce #Aviation
The regional context further complicates India’s decision. Observers pointed out that China has advanced the stealth capabilities of its J-20 and J-35 aircraft. In addition, there is a theoretical agreement for China to transfer forty J-35 fighters to Pakistan. These developments underscore the competitive environment in which India is seeking to modernize its air force, as neighboring powers continue to enhance their own stealth inventories.
Amid these external offers and regional pressures, India is weighing its options. The country’s indigenous fighter program has faced delays, prompting officials to look abroad for immediate capability. The United States, Russia, and possibly other suppliers are all under consideration. India continues to evaluate offers from the US, Russia, and other suppliers while assessing its future fighter fleet.
US Air Force #USAF stopped Indian air chief from going close to F-35 aircraft in #Jodhpur, India due to security issues. #IAF #PAF #USA https://t.co/uZ0rovezhr