IAF Chief Says No Formal US F-35 Offer to India

Indian Air Force chief A P Singh said the United States had made no formal offer to sell India F-35 fighter jets, while the Indian government has yet to decide whether the air force should evaluate Russia’s Su-57 proposal. Singh made the remarks at a press conference in Jodhpur on October 10, 2026, at the conclusion of the multinational Tarang Shakti exercise. Seated alongside U.S. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Kevin Schneider, he responded to a question about a reported F-35 offer by saying American personnel had not even allowed Indian officers near the aircraft. The statement distinguishes earlier public comments about possible F-35 sales from a formal offer. In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would pave the way for India to acquire the aircraft, and Vice President J.D. Vance also advocated greater U.S. military sales during a visit to India. Singh’s remarks did not establish whether the United States might make a formal offer later. Six U.S. Air Force F-35As took part in Tarang Shakti 2026, accompanied by more than 200 personnel, according to reports on the exercise.