简体中文
By APD writer Shi Jiangyue
Translated by Chen Yang
What is called “Melaleuca waves stirred up with one stone”. The possibility of purchasing Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II from America makes India be the focus, causing Russia, China and Pakistan’s concerns.
The head of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris said that American military should pledge their support for India to buy their F-35. However, what makes it difficult is that India still doesn’t grant huge disbursement agreement now. At the same time, according to the India media, India Air Force had formally requested Lockheed Martin to introduce the performance of F-35 Lightning II secretly at the end of last month, but the secret introduction must be authorized by United States Department of Defense and United States Senate.
India’s Wishful Thinking
According to the source, the potential purchase is linked to the 2027 military project of India, in which the number of warplane squadron will add to 42 from 33, thus India Air Force needs 200 to 250 medium single-shot fighters. As the reports of India media, buying 126 F-35A will be put on the agenda.
Cost advantage attracts India a lot. Compared to the Dassault Rafale, which will cost 150 million dollars just as a bare machine, F-35A can be purchased at the price of 94.6 million dollars, and the future price—80 million dollars in 2020 will make India crazy.
A Lion in the Way
The Modi government, carrying out “Made in India” policy, would like to make it come true that the production line of F-35A will be established in India, which is the requirement of “2016 Defense Procurement Procedure”, aiming to promote the manufacturing capacity of high-tech military hardware.
However, America cannot be an obedient child. The United States principally funds the F-35 development, with additional funding from partners. The partner nations are either NATO members or close U.S. allies. The United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Turkey are part of the active development program. Manufacturing them in India means the technology transfer, which is the taboo of America and other countries.
Therefore, the purchase still remains mysterious.
What makes it promising is that Admiral Harris supports this deal and this deal will be the hot topic in the “2+2” Conference between America and India next month.
Three Reasons for Attitude Change of US Army
First, the strong desire of selling advanced weapons in the Trump era plays an important role. The Trump administration has stronger weapon demands from overseas that stimulate the development of national defense industry.
Second, the “arms race” in Asia pushes India to make changes. Looking around, China had equipped with J-20 stealth fighter---the 5th generation aircraft and Pakistan is trying to cooperate with China to start the 5th generation aircraft project. It’s worth noticing that the 5th generation aircraft is the best trick to break the strategic balance.
Third, the uncertainty of Sukhoi Su-57. The difficult fulfillment of Sukhoi Su-57 makes it possible for India to purchase F-35 as the combat capability using to supply the tech-gap, which is exactly to America’s heart---eliminating Russia’s Su-57 project. It is no doubt that India’s behavior will irritate Russia.
Shi Jiangyue, researcher of APD Institute. He writes extensively for media outlets on military-related topics. He has published hundreds of military and defense-related articles on Chinese magazines and newspapers including Aerospace Knowledge, World Outlook, Modern Ships, Tank & Armored Vehicle, and Global Times.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
