Meanwhile, India has to choose from two options.
F 35 to India: During a recent joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump proposed selling Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to India following which Pakistan has expressed strong concerns. The Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters are considered among the most advanced military aircraft in the world. Some say that it is the best fighter jet in its segment.
Trump stated that efforts were underway to eventually provide India with the F-35 as he indicated defence deals with India worth billions of dollars.
However, during the press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not directly address Trump’s comments on the F-35.
He added, “America plays an important role in India’s defense preparedness. We are moving forward actively toward joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology.”
Meanwhile, India is considering two options, the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Reacting to President Trump’s offer of F-35 fighter jets to India, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized this proposal from the U.S., stating that the Indo-Pacific is a great example of “peace and development,” not a battleground for geopolitical games. China also stated that forming “special groups” and engaging in geopolitical games will not bring security.
Addressing a regular press briefing on Friday, February 14, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “No one should make China an issue in the relations and cooperation between countries, nor should they try to incite factionalism and confrontation.” He added, “The Asia-Pacific is a great example of peace and development, not a battleground for geopolitical games. Forming special groups and engaging in factionalism and confrontation will not bring security, and in no way will the Asia-Pacific and the entire world remain peaceful and stable.”
A worried Pakistan expressed its concern on Friday, February 14, stating that this move would disrupt the regional military balance, undermine strategic stability, and hinder efforts to achieve lasting peace in South Asia. An irate Pakistan urged its international partners not to adopt a “unilateral approach that is divorced from ground realities.”
Shafqat Ali Khan, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said, “Pakistan is very concerned about India’s planned transfer of advanced military technologies. Such moves exacerbate military imbalances in the region and undermine strategic stability.”
Shafqat Ali Khan warned of the repercussions of such arms transfers, adding that they worsen military imbalances in the region and threaten strategic stability.
“They remain unhelpful in achieving the objective of a durable peace in South Asia. We urge our international partners to take a holistic and objective view of issues of peace and security in South Asia and refrain from endorsing positions that are one-sided and deviate from ground reality.”
Meanwhile, Turkey to has raised questions over the sale of F-35 to India. Turkey, a NATO member, had been asking the USA for F-35 fighter jets for a long time. The United States did not oblige since Turkey purchased Russia’s S-400 air defense system.
Being a NATO member, Turkey was set to receive a NATO-standard version of the F-35 whereas the USA is likely to offer India a customized variant of the F-35 equipped with localized technology, designed to operate independently of NATO’s integrated military structure.
Still the fact remains that both Turkey and India have the same Russian air defence system, the S-400.
