Musk called the $2tn F-35 programme a ‘flop’. Is Trump shoving a dud down India’s throat?

Feb 18, 2025 | 14:56 IST

Poor fleet-wide mission availability rate, frequent breakdowns, shortage of spare parts, problem with software and hardware integration: some of the reasons why not just Musk but a large number of former military officers, intelligence professionals have voiced similar opinions. Why India must say no to the F-35 deal

Trump’s announcement, at the joint press conference with Modi at the White House last week, that his administration is ‘paving the way to ultimately provide India’ with F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) combat aircraft has shocked observers from both India’s military establishment and think-tank community.

The fact that Modi did not reiterate the sales pitch has done little to relieve consternation. The media already reporting that discussions on the deal, likely an inter-governmental agreement, are going to begin soon doesn’t help matters.

TOI

TOI

Musk called the $2tn F-35 programme a ‘flop’. Is Trump shoving a dud down India’s throat?

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TOI

Musk called the $2tn F-35 programme a ‘flop’. Is Trump shoving a dud down India’s throat?

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