Latest news with #F-35A
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
India buying US F‑35 or Russian Su‑57? Defence Secretary RK Singh reveals India's big plan for stealth fighter jet
India is not in any formal talks with the United States or Russia for acquiring fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-35A or Su-57E, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh clarified on Friday. Instead, the country is focusing on developing its own fifth-generation aircraft—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—with an estimated timeline of eight years. No formal talks on F-35A or Su-57E: Defence Secy 'On F-35A and Sukhoi Su-57 E, whatever has been discussed has been informal. We don't have any formal consultation going on on these,' Singh told ANI in a podcast. He added that the focus is on indigenous capability: 'What I can talk about is our fifth-generation fighter, which will be the AMCA.' AMCA project opens to private firms For the first time, India has opened the AMCA programme to private aerospace companies. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) released a Request for Information (RFI) on Thursday, inviting bids from both public and private sector players. 'We've kept it open for the public and private sectors for the first time. The intent is that we need to have at least two aircraft manufacturers in the country, if not more,' Singh said. 'For the AMCA, the timeline is about eight years.' Execution model offers equal opportunity The AMCA programme will follow a competitive Execution Model approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last month. It allows Indian companies to bid individually, through joint ventures or as consortiums. The model aims to create a level playing field across the defence aviation industry. Live Events You Might Also Like: Pakistan to get 40 more Chinese J-35 stealth jets soon: What are its capabilities and should India be concerned? HAL will benefit from competition, says Singh While HAL remains the only established military aircraft manufacturer in the country, Singh said competition would ultimately help the public-sector giant. 'There was a committee headed by me… that gave the report we need to open it up… HAL will also gain from healthy competition,' he said. He acknowledged HAL's existing limitations: 'The LCA production line has not stabilised, largely because of delays in engine supplies from the US… But they already have six years of orders with them.' Decline in reliance on Russian defence supplies Singh also said India's dependence on Russian equipment has reduced over the years. 'The percentage would have come down… maybe 40 per cent or so, from about 65–70 per cent earlier,' he said. You Might Also Like: Hypersonic missiles, next-gen BrahMos, new air defence: DRDO chief reveals long list of India's future-ready weapons Pakistan proposes Nobel Peace Prize for Donald Trump, says he played 'pivotal role during India-Pakistan crisis' However, global conflicts have disrupted defence imports from multiple partners, including Russia, Israel, France, and the United States. 'The S-400s… are delayed, but where we now have a firm schedule; they'll come next year by April,' Singh noted. He also said some Israeli contracts faced delays due to the country's ongoing conflict.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
F-35 fighter jets are world's most advanced and Trump offered them to India. Know its key features, cost
US President Donald Trump in a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year made a landmark offer to supply India with the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. Trump announced that the new administration was ready to sell one of the top US military prizes -- F-35s. "We're also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters," Trump said. The proposal sparked significant interest in New Delhi as the F-35 fighter is hailed as most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft in the world. Let's try and understand what is F-35 jets, its primary variants and its key features. What is F-35 and what are its variants? The F-35A is the US Air Force's latest fifth-generation fighter. The F-35A will provide next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Neuropathy is not from Low vitamin B. Meet the Real Enemy of Neuropathy (Stop Doing This) Health Insight Journal Learn More Undo ALSO READ: VA spokesperson issues clarification on bombshell report claiming doctors can refuse treatment to Democrats According to a report in InsightsonIndia, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is a single-seat, single-engine stealth fighter designed for multi-role combat missions. It is classified as a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) with advanced stealth, electronic warfare, and sensor fusion capabilities. The multirole combat aircraft has been designed to perform air superiority, strike, electronic warfare, and intelligence-gathering missions. Live Events What are its primary variants? F-35A – Conventional takeoff and landing (U.S. Air Force). F-35B – Short takeoff/vertical landing (U.S. Marine Corps). F-35C – Carrier-based operations (U.S. Navy & Marine Corps). Who develops F-35 fighter jets? Manufactured by Lockheed Martin under a US-led multinational program. ALSO READ: VA policy change: US doctors can question veterans whether they attended Trump's rallies before treatment? What are the key features of F-35 fighter jets? Stealth Technology: Designed with radar-evading features, ensuring low observability in combat Advanced Avionics: Uses sensor fusion and AI-driven systems for superior battlefield awareness Supersonic Speed: Achieves Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h) while maintaining stealth capabilities Network-Centric Warfare: Shares real-time tactical data with ground, naval, and aerial forces Combat Proven: Operated by multiple NATO allies, expected to remain in service until 2080s High Cost: Costs over $100 million per unit, with lifetime operational costs exceeding $2 trillion ALSO READ: American Express hints at a big upgrade to its Platinum Credit card in 'largest investment ever' F-35 is world's most advanced fighter jet Renowned for its ability to operate undetected at supersonic speeds, F-35 is world's most advanced fighter jet. It boasts advanced electronic warfare systems, open architecture, sophisticated sensors, and exceptional information fusion capabilities. These features allow the jet to detect and engage targets at long ranges, making it a formidable asset in modern aerial combat. It has been embraced by numerous allied nations, making it a truly global asset: Australia operates 72 F-35A jets. The United Kingdom, Italy, and Norway are program partner nations that have integrated the F-35 into their fleets, according to India Today.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Business
- First Post
France shuts Israeli weapons booths at Paris Air Show; Israel calls move ‘outrageous'
Geopolitical tensions roiled the opening of the Paris Air Show on Monday as French authorities sealed off Israeli weapons industry booths amid the conflicts in Iran and Gaza, a move that Israel condemned as 'outrageous' read more US soldiers soldiers stand by a F-35 A jet fighter on display at the Paris Air Show, in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on Monday. AP Geopolitical tensions roiled the opening of the Paris Air Show on Monday as French authorities sealed off Israeli weapons industry booths amid the conflicts in Iran and Gaza, a move that Israel condemned as 'outrageous'. The decision added drama to the major aerospace industry event, which was already under the shadow of last week's deadly crash of Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Black walls were installed around the stands of five Israeli defence firms at the trade fair in Le Bourget, an airfield on the outskirts of Paris. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The booths displayed 'offensive weapons' that could be used in Gaza – in violation of agreements with Israeli authorities, a French government source told AFP. The French government has not given its exact definition of 'offensive' or attack weapons. The companies – Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael, Uvision, Elbit and Aeronautics – make drones and guided bombs and missiles. An Israeli exhibitor wrote a message in yellow chalk on one of the walls, saying the hidden defence systems 'are protecting the state of Israel these days. The French government, in the name of discrimination is trying to hide them from you!' French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou defended the decision during a press conference at the air show. 'The French government's position was very simple: no offensive weapons at the arms exposition,' he said. 'Defensive weapons were perfectly acceptable.' Conflicts loom large Bayrou cited the ongoing conflict in Gaza as the rationale behind the ban. 'Given the situation in Gaza… which is extremely serious from a humanitarian and security point of view, France was keen to make it clear that offensive weapons should not be present at this exposition,' Bayrou said. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was shocked by the 'outrageous' closure of the pavilions and said the situation should be 'immediately corrected'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Israeli companies have signed contracts with the organisers… it's like creating an Israeli ghetto,' he said on French television channel LCI. The Israeli defence ministry said in a statement that the 'outrageous and unprecedented decision reeks of policy-driven and commercial considerations'. 'The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition – weapons that compete with French industries,' it said. 'This is particularly striking given Israeli technologies' impressive and precise performance in Iran.' Israel launched surprise strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday, killing top commanders and scientists, prompting Tehran to hit back with a barrage of missiles. The presence of Israeli firms at Le Bourget, though smaller than in the past, was already a source of tension before the start of the Paris Air Show, because of the conflict in Gaza. A French court last week rejected a bid by NGOs to ban Israeli companies from Le Bourget over concerns about 'international crimes'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Local lawmakers from the Seine-Saint-Denis department hosting the event were absent during Bayrou's visit to the opening of the air show in protest over the Israeli presence. Amir Baram, a general in the Israeli defence ministry, called the French decision 'anti-Semitic', adding that Israel would challenge the move in French courts. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen also criticised the decision, calling it 'unacceptable discrimination, particularly in the current geopolitical context', in a post on X, adding that it 'damages once again our country's international image'. The show's organisers said that dialogue was underway 'to find a positive resolution'. Boeing 'focus on supporting customers' The row over Israel cast a shadow over a trade fair that is usually dominated by displays of the aerospace industry's latest flying wonders, and big orders for plane makers Airbus and Boeing. Airbus announced an order of 30 single-aisle A320neo jets and 10 A350F freighters by Saudi aircraft leasing firm AviLease. The European manufacturer also said that Riyadh Air was buying 25 long-range, wide-body A350-1000 jets. But Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg last week cancelled plans to attend the biennial event, to focus on the investigation of the Air India crash. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Our focus is on supporting our customers, rather than announcing orders at this air show,' a Boeing spokeswoman told AFP on Monday. The London-bound Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and crew and another 38 people on the ground. One passenger survived.
Ya Biladi
12-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's F-35 fighter jet deal gains momentum with Israeli approval
The possibility of Morocco's Royal Armed Forces (FAR) acquiring F-35A fighter jets is once again gaining momentum. A specialized English-language defense outlet reported on Wednesday, June 11, that Israel has given the green light for the acquisition of 32 aircraft, a key step given Israel's influence in facilitating the sale of this advanced jet to Arab countries. The deal is estimated to cost around $17 billion over a 45-year period. Sources present at the IDEX (Abu Dhabi International Defense Exhibition) in February indicated that the return of Donald Trump to the White House could finally unlock the long-pending F-35 deal, which was first initiated during his previous term. In 2020, as part of the normalization agreement with Israel, Morocco was expected to obtain the F-35s—similar to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. During the latest IDEX edition, Lockheed Martin representatives reportedly presented the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter jet to a Moroccan military delegation, the same source noted. Meanwhile, Algeria has formalized its first order of the Russian fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57, signaling increasing regional interest in next-generation military aircraft. In a related development, Trump announced in March the development of a new fighter jet, which he referred to as the F-47.
Arabian Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
F-35 Procurement Halved as Pentagon Reprioritises Budget
Pentagon officials have trimmed the U.S. Air Force's F-35A fighter jet order dramatically, requesting just 24 aircraft in fiscal year 2026—cutting it by half from the previously projected 48 jets. The revised procurement proposal, submitted to Congress, seeks approximately $3.5 billion for the jets and an additional $531 million set aside for advance materials procurement. This downsizing is part of a broader strategy by the Department of Defence to shift funding toward emerging defence priorities and cost-saving measures. The Navy and Marine Corps are also affected: the Navy's carrier variant request has dipped from 17 to 12 aircraft, and the Marine Corps' numbers have been reduced by two. Analysis indicates that delays tied to the F-35's TR-3 software upgrade have created bottlenecks in deliveries. Lockheed Martin paused shipments for software integration and sustainment testing; Congress also withheld acceptance of about 20 jets until those issues are resolved. Despite these setbacks, Lockheed still managed to deliver 110 F‑35s globally in 2024, and the F‑35 programme continues to represent approximately 30 percent of the company's annual revenue. Defence analysts describe the halving of F‑35A orders as both a fiscal recalibration and a window of opportunity. One investment commentary noted that while the short‑term cut may rattle markets, the production backlog and sustained international demand—especially among NATO allies—could help cushion Lockheed's pipeline. Already, partner nations such as the UK, Italy and the Netherlands have active procurement plans, while recent buyers like Germany, Greece, Singapore and Romania are proceeding with their orders. ADVERTISEMENT The shift comes amid a wider Pentagon push to realign procurement budgets; recent directives aim for an 8 percent reduction in total defence spending over five years. Cuts will support new programmes such as the F‑47 sixth‑generation fighter, Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones, hypersonic weapons and border security initiatives. House appropriations hearings have highlighted this transition, with Pentagon leaders confirming investment of more than $4 billion in next‑generation combat platforms in fiscal 2026, including funding for the F‑47 and the CCA 'loyal wingman' drones. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth described these as vital to maintaining air dominance in increasingly contested environments. Lockheed Martin has urged stakeholders to view the F‑35 as a long‑term strategic asset. The company's finance chief told investors that a final contract is anticipated once TR‑3 upgrades are cleared, signalling confidence in the jet's future viability. International sales remain central. With over $176 billion in export backlog at the end of 2024, Lockheed's reliance on foreign partners has grown. The U.S. share of global F‑35 orders has dropped from 70 percent a decade ago to about 55 percent today. Advocates argue that the jet's fifth‑generation stealth and interoperability continue to give it a unique edge over systems like Saab's Gripen E or Dassault's Rafale. Still, risks persist. Continued TR‑3 roll-out delays could erode confidence, and broader fiscal dynamics—such as the fate of reconciliation spending and geopolitical tensions—could further influence procurement. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy is forging ahead with its own next‑generation development: opting out of Lockheed for the F/A‑XX carrier fighter competition in favour of Boeing and Northrop Grumman designs. The Navy will continue to acquire F‑35C jets, purchasing them alongside future carrier‑based platforms. Budget documents reveal the Air Force intends to allocate $24.8 billion to aircraft procurement in FY 2026. F‑35A purchases form a smaller slice of that pie, with funds also directed to the hypersonic ARRW missile, Boeing's F‑15EX fighters, T‑7A trainers, and KC‑46A refuellers. In the meantime, Lockheed is focusing on resolving the TR‑3 integration challenges and progressing Block 4 upgrades—critical for retaining export competitiveness and meeting evolving defence needs. Despite reduced U.S. orders, strong international demand and technological advancement keep the F‑35 programme poised for continued relevance.
