F-35 fighter Jet: Game changer or deception, why is india confused about the American aircraft
F-35 fighter Jet: Speaking to the media on PM Modi's US visit, USA President donald trump said that he is also paving the way for the F-35 fighter jet deal.
F-35 fighter Jet
The most talked about topic during PM Modi's US visit was the F-35 fighter jet. After meeting PM Modi, USA President donald trump said that we are increasing our arms sales to india and are also paving the way for the F-35 fighter jet deal. F-35 is USA's 5th generation fighter aircraft. It has been developed by Lockheed Martin Company. This plane was started to be manufactured in 2006. Let us know whether india will benefit or suffer by purchasing this aircraft.
Know what is F-35 fighter aircraft.
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin. This aircraft is known for advanced avionics, stealth capabilities, and network-centric operations. Currently, it is part of the air forces of many countries including the United States.
The F-35 has state-of-the-art avionics (such as radar, sensors, and data links) that give it the ability to process information from the aircraft's interior to its exterior in real time. Systems such as its AN/APG-81 AESA radar and Distributed Aperture System (DAS) allow the pilot to conduct a 360-degree survey. The F-35 has a top speed of about 1,200 mph and can fly at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet.
Know what benefit india will get from this.
Technological Advancements: The F-35's stealth and advanced sensor capabilities can further enhance the strike capability of the indian air Force.
Regional balance: china and pakistan are the most advanced aircraft carriers of this time. In such a situation, the deployment of the F-35 can give india an edge in the regional power balance.
Know what is the opinion of defense experts.
Speaking to the Times of india, air Vice Marshal pranay Sinha (retd), a former fighter pilot with extensive experience flying Sukhois, said, “The IAF must have stealth fighters for strategic use. “This capability will indeed be required if we want to go deep into enemy territory and attack them and come back without being detected by their air defense systems.”
Know what is the challenge before India
The purchase and maintenance of F-35 is extremely expensive, which can put a heavy burden on the indian defense budget. According to the report of the government Accountability office (GAO), an organization that monitors the work of the US government, the maintenance of an F-35 will cost Rs 53 crore every year. In such a situation, if india buys this aircraft for Rs 1000 crore, then Rs 3,180 crore will be spent in its 60-year service period. This is three times the price of the aircraft. At the same time, Rs 30 lakh will be spent on its flight every hour.
Relations with russia may deteriorate.
India has a long-standing defence partnership with Russia and the purchase of the F-35 could impact this relationship. In 2018, india decided to buy Russia's S-400 missile defense system, which is said to be capable of detecting and destroying all types of aerial objects, including stealth fighter jets. india has deployed two to three squadrons of the S-400 on its western and northern borders.
Foreign Secretary vikram Misri had said this.
India is wary of buying the expensive F-35. "There is a process under which platforms are acquired," Foreign Secretary vikram Misri told reporters in Washington. He said negotiations have not yet begun. If india wants to get the F-35, it will have to look at several things such as the off-the-shelf price, technologies offered, lifetime cost, and maintenance.
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