India Not Yet Prepared for F-35 ‘Black Box’; No Talks with Lockheed Martin
In early 2026 New Delhi expressed renewed interest in Russia’s Su-57E combat jet. Moscow reportedly offered deeper technology transfer, local assembly, and broad access to mission software architecture.
Details of Moscow’s proposal
Russian officials were said to be open to extensive cooperation on the Su-57E. Proposals included local production and shared software access for mission systems.
Those offers aimed to ease integration and bolster India’s indigenous aerospace industry. The scope of the transfer was described as unusually wide.
Indian concerns
Several technical and industrial questions remained unresolved. Observers highlighted production quality, engine maturity, and stealth performance.
Analysts also cited Russia’s wartime industrial pressures as a factor. Those stresses raised doubts about reliable long-term supply and support.
F‑35 option and US ties
Washington’s F-35 package was framed as restrictive by Indian officials. India is not yet prepared for the F-35 “black box” and has so far had no talks with Lockheed Martin.
Concerns center on limits to software access and operational sovereignty. The F-35 offer would impose conditions that New Delhi finds difficult to accept.
Where New Delhi stands
India has not committed to Russian fighters. It also has not accepted the constraints of the F-35 proposal from the United States.
Decision-makers are weighing technology access against performance and supply risks. Filmogaz.com will continue to track developments as New Delhi assesses its long-term fighter needs.
