The United States has announced a significant increase in arms sales to India, potentially including F-35 stealth aircraft and the co-production of Stryker armored vehicles.
The United States and India have agreed to increase their defense cooperation. This includes an increase in sales of US military equipment to India, with the possibility of eventually supplying F-35 stealth aircraft. The two nations also plan to co-produce Stryker combat vehicles in India. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s defense capabilities and deepen the strategic ties between the two countries.
The United States increases arms sales to India
US President Donald Trump has announced a significant increase in military equipment sales to India, potentially including F-35 stealth aircraft. The decision follows a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, where the two leaders discussed trade and security. Trump said: “Starting this year, we will increase military sales to India by several billion dollars. We are also paving the way to eventually supply India with F-35 stealth fighters.”
Since 2008, India has purchased more than $20 billion (approximately €18.3 billion) worth of US defense products. It plans to spend more than $200 billion (around €183 billion) over the next decade to modernize its army. India has traditionally sourced its arms from Russia, but Russian exports have declined due to the war in Ukraine, prompting New Delhi to consider other Western options.
The co-production of Stryker armored vehicles
In addition to arms sales, the United States and India have agreed to co-produce combat vehicles, including the Stryker manufactured by General Dynamics. These eight-wheeled vehicles were presented to the Indian army last year, and India plans to acquire several hundred. A co-production agreement is being finalized.
The Stryker is an eight-wheeled armored combat vehicle weighing approximately 18 tons, with a range of 500 km and a maximum speed of 100 km/h. It can carry up to nine soldiers and is available in 18 different versions, including configurations for troop transport, reconnaissance and combat support.
The economic and strategic implications
These initiatives strengthen the strategic ties between the United States and India, while diversifying India’s sources of arms procurement. They also aim to reduce India’s dependence on Russia for defense. However, concerns remain about the high cost and maintenance of the F-35, as well as criticisms from figures such as Elon Musk, who has called manned fighter jets obsolete in the age of drones.
The F-35 is considered one of the most expensive weapons programs in history, with total costs estimated at more than $2 trillion (approximately €1.83 trillion) over its lifespan. Critics point to cost overruns, delays and persistent technical problems. Elon Musk has notably stated that piloted fighter jets are inefficient compared to drones, advocating a transition towards autonomous technologies in the military domain.
The agreement between the United States and India to increase arms sales and co-produce combat vehicles represents a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership. However, it is essential to consider the economic, technical and strategic implications of these initiatives, particularly with regard to the costs and effectiveness of the proposed weapons systems.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.