Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has set the record straight regarding the Indian Air Force's potential acquisition of fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft. Addressing a press conference in Jodhpur on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026, the Chief of the Air Staff stated that the United States has not submitted any official proposal to supply India with the F-35 fighter jet. At the same time, he addressed speculation surrounding Russia's fifth-generation Su-57 fighter, clarifying that no final decision has been reached regarding its procurement or technical evaluation.
Clarification on Rumours Regarding the American F-35
Responding to queries about the advanced American F-35 stealth fighter, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh addressed the topic with a touch of humor. Speaking alongside the commander of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), who was present during the interaction, he remarked, "Your people do not even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us." The direct remark dispelled external speculation, confirming that Washington has extended no formal sales offer to New Delhi for the stealth jet.
Russian Su-57 Proposal Awaits Government Approval
Regarding the potential induction of Russia's Su-57 into the Indian fleet, AP Singh acknowledged awareness that Moscow has put forward a proposal for the aircraft. However, he noted that a decision on whether to undertake a formal assessment of the fighter remains pending. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh explained, "Once we are conveyed the decision, we will evaluate how well it meets our requirements." The remarks clearly establish that any step toward an acquisition depends strictly on an initial policy decision from the government, following which the air force will gauge the platform's operational suitability.
Indigenous Fifth-Generation Ambitions and Multinational Drills
The clarification arrives as India conducts a comprehensive appraisal of its long-term combat fleet requirements, placing major emphasis on self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing through the domestic development of an advanced fifth-generation fighter jet. Meanwhile, the Tarang Shakti-2026 exercise held in Jodhpur concluded after bringing together the Indian Air Force alongside air arms from eight participating nations, including India, offering an expansive platform for interoperability and operational knowledge exchange.
