After Kashmir Air Clash, U.S. Offers F-35s to India Amid Concerns Over Rafale Performance
Following Indian losses to Pakistan’s air force, Washington seeks to bolster New Delhi’s air power with F-35 jets, while France demands answers over downed Rafales.
Watan-Following the Indian Air Force’s recent setback during aerial confrontations with Pakistan over Kashmir, Washington is preparing to offer F-35 stealth fighters to New Delhi to prevent it from being strategically outmatched—particularly by China.
The news, reported by Asia Live on Friday, quotes Indian defense sources confirming that Washington will soon present a tailored F-35 package, not limited to existing models, but specifically adjusted for India’s defense needs. The expected announcement will coincide with a high-level U.S.-India defense dialogue in the coming weeks.
This marks a shift in U.S. strategy, as Washington had previously offered India F-18 jets, which were rejected by New Delhi in favor of the French Rafale, seen as more advanced.
India’s current fleet includes Russian MiG-29s, Su-30s, and the French Rafale, but its military leadership is now urgently seeking next-generation aircraft—especially the American F-35—to face mounting challenges from China and Pakistan.
China has significantly expanded its fleet of Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Dragon” jets, while Pakistan is expected to deploy Chinese-made Shenyang J-35A fighters by 2026.
The early May air clash over Kashmir resulted in the downing of Indian aircraft, including a MiG-29 and reportedly one or more Rafales—a major embarrassment for India, as the Rafale is considered a top-tier fighter and the backbone of its air force.
The situation has alarmed France, as questions remain over how many Rafales were downed, and by which Pakistani systems—whether air defense or fighter aircraft like the J-10C.
This has sparked debate in international defense circles. If multiple Rafales—acquired at high political and financial cost—were downed by Pakistani J-10Cs, it could damage both the aircraft’s reputation and Dassault Aviation’s strategic credibility.
A French defense ministry spokesperson stated:“The Rafale issue is of utmost importance. We are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with our Indian partners to better understand what occurred.”
Amid this controversy, the Pentagon aims to strengthen India militarily, ensuring it is not left vulnerable to either Pakistan or China. The U.S. sees India as a key strategic partner in countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
