Sensitive components from the F-35 fighter jet were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong this summer while being shipped from Australia to the United States for repairs, according to reports. This has raised concerns in Washington that China could gain access to technology used in the highly classified aircraft.The shipment was being moved by an intermediary working for F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin when it was rerouted while crossing the Pacific, according to three people familiar with the matter. The Pentagon has confirmed that some F-35 components went missing.The parts eventually turned up in Hong Kong, but it remains unclear why the shipment was diverted or who currently has custody of the equipment, reports Politico.The incident has prompted an inquiry on Capitol Hill and a series of briefings for congressional staff on key national security committees. State Department and Pentagon officials first briefed staff in June, with further briefings expected in the coming weeks.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-russia-sanctions-bill-india-faces-potential-100-us-tariff-over-russian-oil-what-s-next-1789784262315">Trump signs Russia sanctions law: India faces fresh 100% tariff threat over Russian oil</a><h2>F-35 canopy among missing components</h2>One of the missing components was an F-35 canopy, according to the report citing two people familiar with the shipment.The canopy is more than just a protective cover for the cockpit. It incorporates stealth technology designed to reduce the aircraft's radar signature. An adversary with access to an actual canopy could study its materials and construction and potentially use that information to improve or verify intelligence already obtained through espionage.J.J. Gertler, a former House Armed Services Committee staff member and military aviation analyst at the Congressional Research Service, said China had long sought information on the F-35.“It’s no secret that China has been aggressively trying to get F-35 data through electronic espionage, among other means,” Gertler said.He added that possessing an actual component could give Chinese intelligence “even more to go on” and help verify or refine information obtained through other means.<h2>Pentagon confirms shipment problem</h2>The F-35 Joint Program Office said it was aware of “a shipment issue of unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components”.The office said it was working with US authorities and industry partners to recover the parts, investigate what happened and introduce safeguards to prevent a similar incident.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-greenland-dream-comes-true-potus-announces-infinite-life-deal-with-denmark-claims-permanent-us-control-1789786708740">Trump's Greenland dream comes true? POTUS announces 'Infinite Life' deal with Denmark, claims permanent US control</a>Lockheed Martin, which manages the F-35 programme's wider supply chain, said it could not discuss individual shipments because of security concerns. The company said it follows US regulations governing the transport of aircraft components and handles shipments with safeguards intended to protect the programme and allied countries.The State Department meanwhile has declined to comment, while the Chinese Embassy said it was not familiar with the incident.<h2>Complex global supply chain explained</h2>The episode has highlighted the complexity of the F-35's global logistics network.The programme involves the US and several allies, including Britain, Australia, Denmark, Norway and Poland, with spare parts stored at locations around the world in a shared pool. The Pentagon owns those parts until they are installed on aircraft, while Lockheed manages information on the inventory.Australia operates F-35 maintenance facilities, but those sites are not currently equipped to repair the aircraft's canopies.A 2023 Government Accountability Office report found that more than one million F-35 spare parts had gone missing over a five-year period. The report said the Defense Department could not adequately account for losses worth tens of millions of dollars because Lockheed, rather than the government, maintained the relevant records.“The prime contractors maintain this information,” the GAO said.<h2>F-35 programme already facing cost and readiness concerns</h2>The missing components come as the F-35 programme faces broader questions over spare-parts management, maintenance and costs.The GAO has said shortages of spare parts can leave aircraft grounded, while sustainment expenses continue to rise. A separate report this year found that the F-35 had not met some performance goals and that performance had “trended down”.More than 1,300 F-35 aircraft have been produced for the United States and its allies. The Pentagon expects the programme's lifetime cost to approach $2 trillion.

Sensitive F-35 components being shipped from Australia to the US for repairs were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong, triggering a Pentagon probe. One reported component is a stealth-related canopy. But who has the parts?. All we know.

Sensitive components from the F-35 fighter jet were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong this summer while being shipped from Australia to the United States for repairs, according to reports. This has raised concerns in Washington that China could gain access to technology used in the highly classified aircraft. The shipment was being moved by an intermediary working for F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin when it was rerouted while crossing the Pacific, according to three people familiar with the matter. The Pentagon has confirmed that some F-35 components went missing. The parts eventually turned up in Hong Kong, but it remains unclear why the shipment was diverted or who currently has custody of the equipment, reports Politico. The incident has prompted an inquiry on Capitol Hill and a series of briefings for congressional staff on key national security committees. State Department and Pentagon officials first briefed staff in June, with further briefings expected in the coming weeks. Also read | Trump signs Russia sanctions law: India faces fresh 100% tariff threat over Russian oil F-35 canopy among missing components One of the missing components was an F-35 canopy, according to the report citing two people familiar with the shipment. The canopy is more than just a protective cover for the cockpit. It incorporates stealth technology designed to reduce the aircraft's radar signature. An adversary with access to an actual canopy could study its materials and construction and potentially use that information to improve or verify intelligence already obtained through espionage. J.J. Gertler, a former House Armed Services Committee staff member and military aviation analyst at the Congressional Research Service, said China had long sought information on the F-35. “It’s no secret that China has been aggressively trying to get F-35 data through electronic espionage, among other means,” Gertler said. He added that possessing an actual component could give Chinese intelligence “even more to go on” and help verify or refine information obtained through other means. Pentagon confirms shipment problem The F-35 Joint Program Office said it was aware of “a shipment issue of unserviceable F-35 Lightning II components”.The office said it was working with US authorities and industry partners to recover the parts, investigate what happened and introduce safeguards to prevent a similar incident. Also read | Trump's Greenland dream comes true? POTUS announces 'Infinite Life' deal with Denmark, claims permanent US control Lockheed Martin, which manages the F-35 programme's wider supply chain, said it could not discuss individual shipments because of security concerns. The company said it follows US regulations governing the transport of aircraft components and handles shipments with safeguards intended to protect the programme and allied countries. The State Department meanwhile has declined to comment, while the Chinese Embassy said it was not familiar with the incident. Complex global supply chain explained The episode has highlighted the complexity of the F-35's global logistics network. The programme involves the US and several allies, including Britain, Australia, Denmark, Norway and Poland, with spare parts stored at locations around the world in a shared pool. The Pentagon owns those parts until they are installed on aircraft, while Lockheed manages information on the inventory. Australia operates F-35 maintenance facilities, but those sites are not currently equipped to repair the aircraft's canopies. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report found that more than one million F-35 spare parts had gone missing over a five-year period. The report said the Defense Department could not adequately account for losses worth tens of millions of dollars because Lockheed, rather than the government, maintained the relevant records. “The prime contractors maintain this information,” the GAO said. F-35 programme already facing cost and readiness concerns The missing components come as the F-35 programme faces broader questions over spare-parts management, maintenance and costs. The GAO has said shortages of spare parts can leave aircraft grounded, while sustainment expenses continue to rise. A separate report this year found that the F-35 had not met some performance goals and that performance had “trended down”. More than 1,300 F-35 aircraft have been produced for the United States and its allies. The Pentagon expects the programme's lifetime cost to approach $2 trillion.

Sensitive F-35 components being shipped from Australia to the US for repairs were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong, triggering a Pentagon probe. One reported component is a stealth-related canopy. But who has the parts?. All we know.

China may have gained access to US's classified F-35 jets; parts meant for repairs diverted to Hong Kong, sparking Pentagon inquiry

After facing multiple attacks and sustaining damage during the Iran war and in Houthi attacks, Saudi Arabia will be upgrading its air force with the purchase of 48 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from the United States. According to the US State Department, the jets will cost the Saudis about $24.3 billion. The fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin are in common use by many US allies, including the UK, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada and others.&nbsp;The F-35A variety jets will have a conventional takeoff as opposed to the F-35B, which can take off vertically.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence and improving interoperability with US forces, and other regional and NATO forces,” the State Department said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-have-a-big-decision-coming-up-trump-says-he-s-approaching-major-crossroad-in-iran-war-1789672655068">‘I have a big decision coming up’: Trump says he’s approaching major ‘crossroad’ in Iran war</a>&nbsp;The F-35 Lightning II is one of the most common stealth fighters in the US arsenal, with hundreds being used across the Air Force, Marines and Navy. A record number of 191 F-35 fighters were delivered to the US in 2025, said Lockheed Martin.&nbsp;<h2>Sale supports foreign policy and national security objectives of US</h2>&nbsp;This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.The deal will augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defence capability.The state department said that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saudi Arabia made a direct appeal for the jets in early 2025 to US President Donald Trump and has long been interested in Lockheed Martin's fighter.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tata-trusts-chairman-noel-tata-calls-chandrasekaran-s-reappointment-illegal-rejects-tata-sons-listing-1789664770040">Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata calls Chandrasekaran’s reappointment ‘illegal’, rejects Tata Sons listing</a>&nbsp;The estimated $24.3 billion sale would include 48 of the military aircraft and 49 ⁠Pratt &amp; Whitney engines along with communications equipment, spare parts and other support items.&nbsp;Washington weighs weapons sales to the Middle East in a way that ensures Israel maintains a “qualitative military edge”, thereby ensuring that Israel gets more advanced US weapons than regional Arab states.The F-35 is built with stealth technology that allows it to evade enemy detection and is considered the world’s most advanced fighter jet.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Saudis aims to modernise its air force, counter regional threats</h2>&nbsp;Saudi Arabia is the largest customer for US arms and has been seeking the fighter jet for years as it looks to modernise its air force and counter regional threats, particularly from Iran.&nbsp;The Saudi Air Force flies a mix of fighter aircraft, including Boeing F-15s, European Tornados and Typhoons.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drone-firm-linked-to-trump-s-sons-signs-mou-with-pakistan-army-gets-initial-order-1789648161978">US drone firm linked to Trump’s sons signs MoU with Pakistan army, gets initial order</a>&nbsp;Trump has made arms sales to Saudi Arabia a priority since returning to office. In 2025, the United States agreed to sell the kingdom an arms package worth nearly $142 billion, which the White House called “the largest defence cooperation ⁠agreement” Washington has ever done.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia is pursuing ambitious economic and military modernisation plans under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>US approves visas for Iranian representatives for UN General Assembly next week</h2>&nbsp;The Trump administration has approved visas for top Iranian officials, including the president and foreign minister, to attend the UN General Assembly high-level meeting in New York next week even as the two countries are locked in a stalemated war.The State Department said Thursday it had approved visas for Iran’s “core delegation” to participate in the UN meetings. The core delegation includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-iran-to-rein-in-houthis-after-saudi-arabia-s-appeal-for-help-report-1789657903169">China urges Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi Arabia’s appeal for help: Report</a>&nbsp;“Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level week. The delegation will be under travel restrictions and will face prohibitions on the purchase of luxury and other goods per our policy,” the statement said.&nbsp;<h2>Trump hails ‘major progress’ toward US Army base in Poland</h2>In a post on Truth Social, the president said there is “major progress” toward opening a US Army base in Poland.“GREAT NEWS! Thanks to the bold leadership of my friend, Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland, major progress is being made toward establishing a US Army base in Poland. If this happens, the location will be announced very soon. This will be a historic step for our Great US/Polish Alliance,” he wrote.

The deal will augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defence capability. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally.

After facing multiple attacks and sustaining damage during the Iran war and in Houthi attacks, Saudi Arabia will be upgrading its air force with the purchase of 48 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from the United States. According to the US State Department, the jets will cost the Saudis about $24.3 billion. The fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin are in common use by many US allies, including the UK, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada and others. The F-35A variety jets will have a conventional takeoff as opposed to the F-35B, which can take off vertically. “The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence and improving interoperability with US forces, and other regional and NATO forces,” the State Department said. Also Read: ‘I have a big decision coming up’: Trump says he’s approaching major ‘crossroad’ in Iran war The F-35 Lightning II is one of the most common stealth fighters in the US arsenal, with hundreds being used across the Air Force, Marines and Navy. A record number of 191 F-35 fighters were delivered to the US in 2025, said Lockheed Martin. Sale supports foreign policy and national security objectives of US This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region. The deal will augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defence capability. The state department said that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region. Saudi Arabia made a direct appeal for the jets in early 2025 to US President Donald Trump and has long been interested in Lockheed Martin's fighter. Also Read: Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata calls Chandrasekaran’s reappointment ‘illegal’, rejects Tata Sons listing The estimated $24.3 billion sale would include 48 of the military aircraft and 49 ⁠Pratt & Whitney engines along with communications equipment, spare parts and other support items. Washington weighs weapons sales to the Middle East in a way that ensures Israel maintains a “qualitative military edge”, thereby ensuring that Israel gets more advanced US weapons than regional Arab states. The F-35 is built with stealth technology that allows it to evade enemy detection and is considered the world’s most advanced fighter jet. Saudis aims to modernise its air force, counter regional threats Saudi Arabia is the largest customer for US arms and has been seeking the fighter jet for years as it looks to modernise its air force and counter regional threats, particularly from Iran. The Saudi Air Force flies a mix of fighter aircraft, including Boeing F-15s, European Tornados and Typhoons. Also Read: US drone firm linked to Trump’s sons signs MoU with Pakistan army, gets initial order Trump has made arms sales to Saudi Arabia a priority since returning to office. In 2025, the United States agreed to sell the kingdom an arms package worth nearly $142 billion, which the White House called “the largest defence cooperation ⁠agreement” Washington has ever done. Saudi Arabia is pursuing ambitious economic and military modernisation plans under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda. US approves visas for Iranian representatives for UN General Assembly next week The Trump administration has approved visas for top Iranian officials, including the president and foreign minister, to attend the UN General Assembly high-level meeting in New York next week even as the two countries are locked in a stalemated war. The State Department said Thursday it had approved visas for Iran’s “core delegation” to participate in the UN meetings. The core delegation includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Also Read: China urges Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi Arabia’s appeal for help: Report “Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level week. The delegation will be under travel restrictions and will face prohibitions on the purchase of luxury and other goods per our policy,” the statement said. Trump hails ‘major progress’ toward US Army base in Poland In a post on Truth Social, the president said there is “major progress” toward opening a US Army base in Poland. “GREAT NEWS! Thanks to the bold leadership of my friend, Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland, major progress is being made toward establishing a US Army base in Poland. If this happens, the location will be announced very soon. This will be a historic step for our Great US/Polish Alliance,” he wrote.

The deal will augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defence capability. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally.

US to sell 48 F-35 Lightning fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, help it deter threats

As Houthis tighten their grip over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and continue to attack Saudi Arabia, Riyadh's woes are deepening.&nbsp;According to reports, Saudi Arabia is now running low on missile interceptors, and doubts are growing whether it will get advanced F-35 jets from America.&nbsp;In the latest from the battlefield, Saudi-backed Yemen armed forces released aerial footage of them targeting Houthi premises and equipment during strikes in several areas, including the port city of Mokha.&nbsp;Houthis also accused Saudi Arabia of conducting fresh strikes in Yemen earlier in the day.&nbsp;According to the group, Riyadh targeted three telecommunications towers in Taiz province and also struck the town of Abs.&nbsp;It claimed that three children were killed and several others were wounded.&nbsp;While Riyadh did not confirm these claims, it announced that a Houthi drone had been intercepted and destroyed in the city of Taif.&nbsp;However, the falling debris of this drone reportedly led to the death of a Yemeni resident and left a Saudi woman and a Pakistani national injured.&nbsp;Civilian buildings and vehicles were damaged as well.&nbsp;A day earlier, Houthis claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Yemen's Marib province.&nbsp;Amid its battlefield reverses, a new report claimed that Saudi Arabia had reached out to France, UK, Pakistan and Egypt for emergency air defence support.&nbsp;The outreach was initiated reportedly as its key ally America's own stock of interceptor missiles, has dwindled over the course of the Iran war.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-intel-warns-china-can-steal-f-35-jets-secret-from-saudis-1789673684934/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-intel-warns-china-can-steal-f-35-jets-secret-from-saudis-1789673684934/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;This is not all.&nbsp;According to the New York Times, US intelligence officers have expressed concerns over possible Chinese espionage in connection with the potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, worth nearly 24 billion US dollars.&nbsp;In November 2025 itself, US President Donald Trump had hinted at an F-35 deal with Riyadh.&nbsp;However, a report reportedly prepared by Pentagon's defence intelligence agency raised the possibility of China acquiring F-35 jet technology through spying or its partnership with Saudi.&nbsp;Highlighting how Chinese military is helping Saudis build ballistic missiles and set up production facilities, the report cast aspersions on whether secure sites housing F-35 technology can be maintained.&nbsp;It also questioned whether Riyadh will agree to limit contact with Chinese military and remove equipment of Chinese tech firms from telecommunications and defence installations.&nbsp;Now, this is not the first time the US has proposed to sell these aircraft to its West Asian allies.&nbsp;In 2020, for instance, Trump agreed for a similar deal with UAE.&nbsp;However, the sale didn't go through, as US intelligence agencies raised concerns over UAE's growing ties with China back then.&nbsp;Apart from this, the report suggested that some Israeli officials have also opposed the deal.&nbsp;This is because Israel is the only country in West Asia at present which has F-35s, helping it maintain a qualitative military edge over others.&nbsp;But, why is F-35 so significant?&nbsp;It is considered as the world's most advanced and lethal fighter aircraft.&nbsp;This fifth-generation jet is very difficult for enemy air defence systems to detect.&nbsp;The aircraft is also packed with sensors, missiles and guided bombs.&nbsp;Flying at 1,900 kilometres per hour, its systems can detect threats, identify targets and share data with other aircraft and forces.&nbsp;As of now, it is used by 12 nations including US.&nbsp;&nbsp;With US and Pakistan already refusing to provide military help in the war against Houthis, Saudi Arabia faces an uphill task in the battle for the Bab al-Mandeb strait…

A report prepared by Pentagon's defence intelligence agency raised the possibility of China acquiring F-35 jet technology from Saudi Arabia. Tbe report highlighted how Chinese military is helping Saudis build ballistic missiles and set up production facilities.

As Houthis tighten their grip over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and continue to attack Saudi Arabia, Riyadh's woes are deepening. According to reports, Saudi Arabia is now running low on missile interceptors, and doubts are growing whether it will get advanced F-35 jets from America. In the latest from the battlefield, Saudi-backed Yemen armed forces released aerial footage of them targeting Houthi premises and equipment during strikes in several areas, including the port city of Mokha. Houthis also accused Saudi Arabia of conducting fresh strikes in Yemen earlier in the day. According to the group, Riyadh targeted three telecommunications towers in Taiz province and also struck the town of Abs. It claimed that three children were killed and several others were wounded. While Riyadh did not confirm these claims, it announced that a Houthi drone had been intercepted and destroyed in the city of Taif. However, the falling debris of this drone reportedly led to the death of a Yemeni resident and left a Saudi woman and a Pakistani national injured. Civilian buildings and vehicles were damaged as well. A day earlier, Houthis claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Yemen's Marib province. Amid its battlefield reverses, a new report claimed that Saudi Arabia had reached out to France, UK, Pakistan and Egypt for emergency air defence support. The outreach was initiated reportedly as its key ally America's own stock of interceptor missiles, has dwindled over the course of the Iran war. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-intel-warns-china-can-steal-f-35-jets-secret-from-saudis-1789673684934/embed This is not all. According to the New York Times, US intelligence officers have expressed concerns over possible Chinese espionage in connection with the potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, worth nearly 24 billion US dollars. In November 2025 itself, US President Donald Trump had hinted at an F-35 deal with Riyadh. However, a report reportedly prepared by Pentagon's defence intelligence agency raised the possibility of China acquiring F-35 jet technology through spying or its partnership with Saudi. Highlighting how Chinese military is helping Saudis build ballistic missiles and set up production facilities, the report cast aspersions on whether secure sites housing F-35 technology can be maintained. It also questioned whether Riyadh will agree to limit contact with Chinese military and remove equipment of Chinese tech firms from telecommunications and defence installations. Now, this is not the first time the US has proposed to sell these aircraft to its West Asian allies. In 2020, for instance, Trump agreed for a similar deal with UAE. However, the sale didn't go through, as US intelligence agencies raised concerns over UAE's growing ties with China back then. Apart from this, the report suggested that some Israeli officials have also opposed the deal. This is because Israel is the only country in West Asia at present which has F-35s, helping it maintain a qualitative military edge over others. But, why is F-35 so significant? It is considered as the world's most advanced and lethal fighter aircraft. This fifth-generation jet is very difficult for enemy air defence systems to detect. The aircraft is also packed with sensors, missiles and guided bombs. Flying at 1,900 kilometres per hour, its systems can detect threats, identify targets and share data with other aircraft and forces. As of now, it is used by 12 nations including US. With US and Pakistan already refusing to provide military help in the war against Houthis, Saudi Arabia faces an uphill task in the battle for the Bab al-Mandeb strait…

A report prepared by Pentagon's defence intelligence agency raised the possibility of China acquiring F-35 jet technology from Saudi Arabia. Tbe report highlighted how Chinese military is helping Saudis build ballistic missiles and set up production facilities.

US intel warns China can steal F-35 jets secret from Saudis | Gravitas

The US is reportedly planning to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to countries including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Earlier, Qatar reportedly had exploratory talks with Washington, and Saudi Arabia has pursued the acquisition of up to 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to advance its air force countering regional threats. Turkey was also lobbying hard to get back into the F-35 program. Previously, the US had removed Turkey from the 2019 program and hit it with CAATSA sanctions after purchasing the Russian S-400 missile defence system. Later, after a renewed diplomatic push and potential shifts in US policy, the gate of discussions for Turkey on the F-35. Meanwhile, India had also previously been offered the aircraft; reports indicate that New Delhi opted against pursuing the acquisition to prioritise its domestic defence goals and indigenous fighter projects. In February 2025, during Indian PM Modi’s visit to the US, Trump announced that this year, the US will increase military sales to India by many billions of dollars.&nbsp;During the announcement, the sale of F-35 stealth fighters was also part of the list. However, analysts suggest these remarks were intended not only to appease India, but even more so to cater to the US defence lobby. The U.S. Congressional Research Service confirmed that New Delhi is expected to spend over $200 billion over the next decade to modernise its military.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-india-s-education-audiovisual-av-market-is-entering-new-growth-phase-as-ai-reshapes-classrooms-1785749210678">How India's education audiovisual (AV) market is entering new growth phase as AI reshapes classrooms?</a><h3>Why did India decide not to move forward with F-35 jets?</h3>According to media reports, the Indian government had earlier claimed that it was not intending to purchase the aircraft. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also clarified that the US proposal was only at a 'proposal stage', but the acquisition process had not begun. In response to the purchase of the aircraft, India's opposition parties have also criticised President Donald Trump's offer to sell F-35 fighters, citing their high costs. Because Russia has discussed producing its most advanced jets locally in line with PM Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision. The development witnessed after India signed a deal worth 623.70 billion rupees ($7.03 billion) in September 2025 to buy indigenous fighter aircraft from state warplane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in an effort to modernise its armed forces. This move supports the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision by strengthening the domestic aerospace industry of India instead of relying solely on imported fighter platforms. Other reports also highlight that acquiring the aircraft comes with strict American controls over software source code and data-sharing systems, restricting New Delhi's operational sovereignty. Furthermore, defence analysts cited that committing tens of billions of dollars to the F-35’s steep acquisition and maintenance expenses would conflict directly with India's push for defence self-reliance. Additionally, procuring foreign 5th-generation platforms would divert critical budget and resources away from India’s own indigenous fighter initiatives, specifically the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Tejas Mk II programs. &nbsp;

India had also previously been offered the aircraft; reports indicate that New Delhi opted against pursuing the acquisition to prioritise its domestic defence goals and indigenous fighter projects. 

The US is reportedly planning to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to countries including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Earlier, Qatar reportedly had exploratory talks with Washington, and Saudi Arabia has pursued the acquisition of up to 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to advance its air force countering regional threats. Turkey was also lobbying hard to get back into the F-35 program. Previously, the US had removed Turkey from the 2019 program and hit it with CAATSA sanctions after purchasing the Russian S-400 missile defence system. Later, after a renewed diplomatic push and potential shifts in US policy, the gate of discussions for Turkey on the F-35. Meanwhile, India had also previously been offered the aircraft; reports indicate that New Delhi opted against pursuing the acquisition to prioritise its domestic defence goals and indigenous fighter projects. In February 2025, during Indian PM Modi’s visit to the US, Trump announced that this year, the US will increase military sales to India by many billions of dollars. During the announcement, the sale of F-35 stealth fighters was also part of the list. However, analysts suggest these remarks were intended not only to appease India, but even more so to cater to the US defence lobby. The U.S. Congressional Research Service confirmed that New Delhi is expected to spend over $200 billion over the next decade to modernise its military. Also read: How India's education audiovisual (AV) market is entering new growth phase as AI reshapes classrooms? Why did India decide not to move forward with F-35 jets? According to media reports, the Indian government had earlier claimed that it was not intending to purchase the aircraft. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also clarified that the US proposal was only at a 'proposal stage', but the acquisition process had not begun. In response to the purchase of the aircraft, India's opposition parties have also criticised President Donald Trump's offer to sell F-35 fighters, citing their high costs. Because Russia has discussed producing its most advanced jets locally in line with PM Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision. The development witnessed after India signed a deal worth 623.70 billion rupees ($7.03 billion) in September 2025 to buy indigenous fighter aircraft from state warplane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in an effort to modernise its armed forces. This move supports the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision by strengthening the domestic aerospace industry of India instead of relying solely on imported fighter platforms. Other reports also highlight that acquiring the aircraft comes with strict American controls over software source code and data-sharing systems, restricting New Delhi's operational sovereignty. Furthermore, defence analysts cited that committing tens of billions of dollars to the F-35’s steep acquisition and maintenance expenses would conflict directly with India's push for defence self-reliance. Additionally, procuring foreign 5th-generation platforms would divert critical budget and resources away from India’s own indigenous fighter initiatives, specifically the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Tejas Mk II programs.

India had also previously been offered the aircraft; reports indicate that New Delhi opted against pursuing the acquisition to prioritise its domestic defence goals and indigenous fighter projects.&nbsp;

Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED