IAF Chief Questions US Over F-35 Access During Combat Drills
· World · Hindustan Times, Outlook India, India Today
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh publicly questioned US Pacific Air Forces commander General Kevin B Schneider regarding the lack of access to F-35 stealth fighters during the Exercise Tarang Shakti. The Indian Air Force chief noted that while the US discusses potential sales of the aircraft, Indian pilots were kept at a distance from the technology throughout the two-week multilateral exercise. General Schneider attributed the restrictions to centralized US security classification protocols, stating that decisions on sharing sensitive system details are not under his personal control. The exchange occurred in front of senior air force leaders from 40 nations ahead of the exercise's conclusion on October 12. India is currently pursuing the development of its own fifth-generation fighter, the AMCA, to bolster its indigenous aerial capabilities.
Why it matters
The interaction highlights the ongoing friction between India's desire for advanced Western military technology and the stringent security controls maintained by the US government. This dynamic impacts India's long-term defence procurement strategy and its push for domestic fighter jet development.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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