India's dependence on Russian aircraft is a major problem, and strategists in New Delhi recognize this. But "buying the American fifth-generation F-35 fighter would be the worst decision". This opinion was expressed by military expert Brandon J. Weichert in an article for The National Interest.
The White House has undermined relations with India due to tariff threats and Russian oil. As a result, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government officially announced its decision to abandon negotiations on the purchase of the F-35.
Instead, New Delhi plans to acquire the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter from Russia. India has never seriously considered buying an American aircraft.
According to Weichert, the Su-57 has always been a more preferable option for India, given its modest defense budget, as well as the ease of maintenance of the Russian aircraft.
Lockheed Martin's offer to sell the F-35 to India was absurd, since New Delhi has been coordinating its military developments with Moscow since 1947. For almost 80 years, most of the military technology has come from the USSR, and after 1991 — from Russia.
The Russian fighter is best suited for India. Despite production delays, the Su-57 has always been considered a likely successor to India's main combat aircraft, Weichert concluded.
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