The United States has floated the sale of F-35 fighter jets to India, despite both India and Turkey acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system. However, only Turkey has faced restrictions on purchasing the aircraft. Recent developments, including a report from the U.S. Congressional Research Service, suggest that Turkey may yet be allowed to reenter the program.
Newly re-elected President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Reuters that discussions on India’s potential acquisition of the advanced stealth fighter are ongoing. Indian officials, however, clarified that no formal procurement process has begun. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, emphasized that any sale would require government-to-government negotiations, with the Pentagon serving as an intermediary.
A Tale of Two Allies: India and Turkey’s Diverging Paths
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring the S-400 system, as the U.S. cited security concerns over exposing the jet’s stealth capabilities. India also purchased the S-400 but has not faced similar restrictions, likely due to Washington’s broader geopolitical strategy.
Since 2008, India has purchased more than $20 billion in U.S. military equipment, including a recent order for 31 MQ-9B drones. The U.S. Congressional Research Service estimates that India will spend over $200 billion on defense modernization in the next decade.
Russia has also proposed co-producing the Su-57 stealth fighter in India to strengthen its defense partnership with New Delhi. Meanwhile, India continues to expand its multirole fighter fleet, which includes French, Russian, and domestically built aircraft.
Strategic Implications and Defense Cooperation
Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to trade negotiations aimed at doubling bilateral commerce to $500 billion by 2030. The discussions also cover tariff reductions, increased U.S. exports, and defense cooperation under the Quad alliance.
In January 2025, the U.S. approved India’s participation in co-producing Stryker armored vehicles, marking the first foreign production of the platform. The deal is part of broader U.S.-India defense ties under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies.
Meanwhile, Turkey remains outside the F-35 program, despite recent reports from the U.S. Congressional Research Service hinting at a potential reconsideration. A newly released CRS report suggests that the U.S. Congress may reconsider its decision to block the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. The document also addresses the case of the United Arab Emirates, which was similarly excluded from the program due to its ties with China.
Turkey was one of the original nine partner nations in the F-35 program, with plans to procure 100 jets for its air force. The congressional report highlights Turkey’s role as a key producer of more than 900 F-35 components, including critical parts such as the fuselage and landing gear.
The potential sale of F-35s to India, coupled with congressional discussions regarding Turkey’s status, suggests a possible shift in Washington’s approach to its allies. Some analysts argue that if the U.S. is willing to sell the aircraft to India despite its S-400 purchase, a similar policy may be applied to Turkey in the near future.
The differing approaches to India and Turkey have sparked debates in diplomatic and military circles. Some argue that Turkey’s relationship with Russia and its broader geopolitical positioning make its case distinct. Others believe Washington’s selective application of restrictions risks undermining its credibility and causing friction within NATO.
As India and the U.S. move forward with discussions on deepening their defense ties, Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 program remains a contentious issue in transatlantic relations, though recent congressional considerations may signal a path toward reconsideration.
