Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took a swipe at the United States’ F-35 programme on Saturday, saying American personnel do not even let Indian officials near the stealth fighter jet, even as Washington is reportedly discussing its sale to India.
Singh made the remark while sharing the stage with General Kevin Schneider, Commander of US Pacific Air Forces, at a press conference on the sidelines of the concluding ceremony of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026 in Jodhpur.
advertisement
Responding to a question about whether the US had made an official offer to sell its fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to India, Singh said, “Your people don’t even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us.”
The IAF chief clarified that the US had made no official offer for the F-35, with his remark drawing attention to the reported proposal in the presence of the senior American commander.
Singh also addressed the possibility of India acquiring Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter aircraft, saying that a Russian offer had come to the IAF’s notice but no decision had been made on whether the aircraft should be evaluated.
“Once the decision is conveyed to us (by the government), we will evaluate how well it (Su-57) meets our requirements,” he said.
The remarks come as India assesses its future combat aircraft requirements and pursues the development of an indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft as part of its long-term plans to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Tarang Shakti-2026 brought together the Indian Air Force and participating air forces from eight nations, including India, offering a platform for operational cooperation and the exchange of professional experience.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
