Fact-Check: Is America’s F-35 offer a trap to sideline India’s AMCA program? Here’s the Reality

Megha Bajaj February 21, 2025

Is America's F-35 offer a trap to sideline India's AMCA program Here's the Reality

A pak-based handle has shared an image on X and has claimed an Indian Air Force officer warns that America’s F-35 offer is a trap to sideline India’s AMCA program.

An account named PSYWAR Bureau posted an image and wrote: “An Indian Air Force officer warns that America s F-35 offer is a trap to sideline India’s AMCA program.

A viral tweet by PSYWAR Bureau (@PSYWAROPS) claims that an Indian Air Force officer has warned about the US's F-35 offer being a strategic trap to undermine India's indigenous AMCA fighter jet program. The tweet alleges that the US aims to make India dependent on F-35s instead of developing its own fighter aircraft, thereby limiting India's defense autonomy. The attached image features a digitally edited collage of former US President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appearing stressed, and an AMCA fighter jet at an exhibition with the Indian flag in the background. The tweet, posted on February 20, 2025, at 11:05 PM, has 410 views — Link

Fact-check

In the probe, the DFRAC team found this claim to be misleading.
We conducted a keyword search in this regard and found that no such reports were available online citing facts in support of the above claim.
We came across some reports instead, that shed light on this particular issue.
A report by the Economic Times stated that some experts argue that if the US agrees to share technology, buying the F-35 could actually help India develop its own stealth jets under AMCA project.

Moreover, as per report by India Defence News, the F-35’s advanced stealth technology and multi-role capabilities would significantly enhance India’s air combat effectiveness. This could lead to improved operational readiness against adversaries, particularly in light of recent border tensions with China.

In addition, another report by Mathrubhumi English mentioned that if India acquires the F-35, it would be a major technological boost for the Indian Air Force (IAF), strengthening its air combat and surveillance abilities. Currently, the IAF operates a mix of Russian, French, and Indian-made fighter jets, including the Su-30MKI from Russia, Rafale and Mirage 2000 from France, and the indigenous Tejas. While these jets are highly capable, they lack the stealth technology and advanced sensor systems that set the F-35 apart.

Conclusion

It is evident from DFRAC’s fact-check that the claim shared by Pak handle has been misleadingly shared on X. No such statements of warning have been issued by the Indian Air Force. In fact, the reports have stated that, if India acquires the F-35, it would be a major technological boost for the IAF, strengthening its air combat and surveillance abilities.

Analysis: Misleading