F-35 Buzz in India? Air Chief AP Singh says ‘not so fast—It’s not like buying a washing machine’

India is at a critical juncture in its Air Force modernisation, with the United States offering the advanced F-35 stealth fighter. However, no formal proposal has been made, and concerns over cost, operational compatibility, and strategic autonomy loom large. Meanwhile, India's indigenous fighter jet programme faces delays, forcing the country to consider stopgap foreign purchases. With China advancing its air capabilities and the US approving F-16 support for Pakistan, India must balance immediate needs with long-term self-reliance in defence manufacturing.