On the one hand, India is concerned about delays in Russian supplies due to the war in Ukraine, and on the other, it is facing pressure from the West to distance itself from Moscow.
The US showcased some of its latest aircraft, including the F-35, F-16, Super Hornet, and B-1, at the Aero India Show this week, with the aim of persuading India to buy from its traditional supplier Russia. Instead, they bought military equipment from America.
According to Reuters, India is eager to modernize its fleet of Soviet-era fighter jets to boost its air power. On the one hand, India is concerned about delays in Russian supplies due to the war in Ukraine, and on the other, it is facing pressure from the West to distance itself from Moscow.
The participation of the US delegation at the Aero India Show, which ended on Friday after a week-long run in Bangalore, highlighted the growing strategic relationship between the US and India. In contrast, Russia, India's largest arms supplier since the Soviet era, had a nominal presence at the show.
Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport held a joint stall with United Aircraft and Almaz Anti, displaying miniature models of planes, trucks, radars, and tanks.
In previous editions of the show, the Russoboron Exports stall has taken center stage even though Russia did not bring a fighter jet to Bangalore for a decade after India considered more European and American fighter jets.
Boeing F/A 18 Super Hornets are already in the race to supply the Indian Navy's other aircraft carrier fighter jets and Lockheed Martin's F-21 aircraft, an upgraded version of the F-16 for India. was unveiled at the Aero India Show in 2019. India has also been offered these aircraft for the Air Force.
The Air Force's $20 billion proposal to buy 114 multi-role fighter jets, which has been pending for five years, has come under intense scrutiny because of tensions with China and Pakistan.
According to Indian Air Force (IAF) sources, India is not considering F-35s 'at present', but the display of two F-35s at Aero India for the first time was a sign of New Delhi's growing strategic importance to Washington.
