India Sends a Clear Signal to US and Russia: No More Passive Arms Deals, Only Strategic Partnerships

India’s defence procurement strategy has reached a defining moment. As global military giants—the US and Russia—push hard to sell their latest weapon systems, India is charting its own path. It is no longer content with being just a buyer. Instead, India is demanding strategic autonomy, technology transfer, and indigenous development—marking a decisive shift in defence policy.

F-35: Hype Meets Reality

Talks between India and the US over the F-35 stealth fighter have cooled significantly. Once seen as a future game-changer for the Indian Air Force, the jet is now off India’s priority list. The reasons are multifold:

• No technology transfer: The US was unwilling to share critical tech, contradicting India’s self-reliance goals.

• Dependency risk: Maintenance and logistics would leave India heavily reliant on the US.

• Strategic constraints: Existing US sanctions (CAATSA) linked to India-Russia defence cooperation posed risks.

• Operational doubts: India’s own radar systems were reportedly able to track the F-35B, raising concerns over its stealth claims.

• Diplomatic cold shoulder: The aircraft’s absence from key air shows like Thiruvananthapuram only added to India’s reservations.

India’s answer? Prioritizing the indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project—its own 5th-generation fighter jet.

Russia’s Su-57 Offer: A Careful Evaluation

India has also received a renewed proposal from Russia for its Su-57E fighter jet, including source code access and local manufacturing rights. While attractive, India is proceeding with caution.

This comes after India walked away in 2018 from the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project due to issues around stealth capability, avionics, and cost.

Though Russia now offers greater technological collaboration, India is maintaining a “wait and assess” approach—emphasizing co-development, not dependency.

Stryker Armoured Vehicle: Disappointing Trials

Another setback came with the US’s Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle, tested in India’s high-altitude terrain. The vehicle failed to meet expectations in Ladakh-like conditions:

• Struggled with mobility in low oxygen and rugged terrain

• Underperformed in load-bearing, raising doubts about combat viability

India is now shifting its focus to indigenous platforms like the Zorawar light tank and Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) projects.

While the US plans to showcase the amphibious Stryker in upcoming joint exercises, India appears firm on pursuing domestic alternatives for its FICV ambitions.

Javelin Missile Deal in Limbo

The American Javelin missile, despite its reputation, is losing ground in India’s procurement plans. The DRDO-developed MPATGM (Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile) has shown strong results in trials and offers a better fit for Indian conditions—at lower cost and with local production potential.

The Bigger Picture: Strategic Shift in Indian Defence Policy

India’s stance today is unambiguous: it will no longer be just an arms importer. Instead, the focus is on:

• Technology transfer and co-development as preconditions for major deals

• Stronger ties with France, Israel, and Japan, where collaboration is more balanced

• Indigenous development: With projects like AMCA, Tejas Mk-2, TEDBF, FICV, and MPATGM taking center stage