Jaipur, Oct 2026 : Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has clarified that the United States has not made any official offer to sell its fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to India, dismissing speculation that Washington had proposed supplying the advanced combat jets and New Delhi had subsequently rejected the offer.
Singh made the statement on Saturday during a press conference on the sidelines of the concluding ceremony of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-2026 in Jodhpur. The event brought together senior military officials from India and participating countries.
Responding to a question about the reported American proposal, Singh offered a humorous response while sitting alongside the commander of the US Air Force's Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).
“These people don't even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us,” the IAF chief remarked.
His comments sought to address speculation surrounding India's reported decision not to proceed with the acquisition of the American stealth fighter. Singh's clarification indicated that there had been no formal offer from Washington, challenging reports suggesting that India had turned down a proposal to purchase the F-35.
The F-35, developed by US defence major Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter designed for advanced combat operations. Its capabilities include low observability, advanced sensors and integrated electronic systems. However, Singh's remarks made clear that a formal American offer for its sale to India had not been received.
The IAF chief also addressed the possibility of India acquiring Russia's fifth-generation Su-57 fighter aircraft. He said the Russian proposal had not yet been considered and that no decision had been taken on the matter.
India continues to assess its future combat aircraft requirements amid efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and technological capabilities. The country is pursuing the development of its indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a programme intended to enhance self-reliance in advanced military aviation and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Meanwhile, Singh described the successful conclusion of Tarang Shakti-2026, the second edition of India's multinational air exercise, as a proud moment for the Indian Air Force.
“It is indeed a very proud day for me today that we are in the final stage of Exercise Tarang Shakti, the second version of it,” he said.
Recalling the origins of the exercise, Singh said the first edition was held in 2024, when the IAF had planned to organise the event every two years. The schedule was subsequently aligned more effectively with seasonal weather conditions to minimise disruptions.
“Last time we had some disruptions because of weather, so this time the exercise has gone through without any weather disruptions; I'm happy,” he said.
Tarang Shakti-2026 brought together the Indian Air Force and air forces from eight participating nations, providing an opportunity to strengthen operational cooperation, exchange professional expertise and improve interoperability.
The exercise also highlighted India's emphasis on international military engagement as the IAF continues to modernise its capabilities and evaluate options for meeting its long-term combat aviation requirements.
