PM Modi US Visit / These features of the F-35 fighter jet differentiate it from other fighter planes

PM Modi US Visit: PM Modi US Visit: During the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, the US announced to increase its military sales to India. President Trump said that his administration is paving the way to provide F-35 stealth fighter aircraft to India. This move can be an important initiative towards equipping the Indian Air Force with state-of-the-art combat capabilities.

F-35 Lightning II: The world's most advanced fighter aircraft

The F-35 Lightning II developed by Lockheed Martin is one of the most modern and versatile fighter aircraft in the world. This aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and is designed for excellent performance in any combat situation. Its stealth capabilities help protect it from enemy radars, making it suitable for unexpected attacks.

The F-35 is capable of carrying out a variety of missions, including air supremacy, ground attacks, electronic warfare and intelligence gathering. Its high speed, superior weapon systems and modern avionics make it more impressive than other fighter aircraft.

Price and operating cost of F-35

The prices of different variants of F-35 vary:

F-35A (standard version): $80 million

F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing): $115 million

F-35C (aircraft carrier version): $110 million

Not just the purchase price, but its operation is also extremely expensive. The cost per hour of flying is estimated to be around $36,000, making it one of the most expensive fighter jets in the world.

Advanced features of F-35

The F-35 has been specially developed for the US Air Force, Navy and allied countries. Its key features are as follows:

Cutting edge stealth technology: The design of the F-35 makes it invisible on radar, making it difficult for the enemy to detect it.

Powerful Engine: A single F135 engine produces up to 40,000 pounds of thrust, allowing it to reach supersonic speeds of Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph).

Helmet-Mounted Display System: Instead of a traditional cockpit screen, the pilot gets all the necessary data on the helmet itself, giving him complete visibility around the aircraft.

Distributed Aperture System (DAS): It has six infrared cameras, which provide the pilot with a 360-degree view and help in detecting any threat in time.

Heavy Weapon Capacity: The F-35 fighter jets are capable of carrying weapons ranging from 6,000 kg to 8,100 kg, giving it the highest firepower while maintaining its stealth features.

F-35 vs Other Fighter Jets

The F-35's advanced technology and multirole capabilities set it apart from other fighter jets such as the Russian Su-57, Chinese J-20, and France's Rafale. Its stealth design, integrated sensors, and network capabilities give it an unprecedented edge on the battlefield.

Possible implications for India

If India acquires the F-35, it will greatly enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force. It could prove to be a strategic edge for India in response to growing military pressure from China and Pakistan.

However, the F-35's expensive maintenance and high operational costs could make it a challenging decision for India to acquire it. Nevertheless, if the deal goes through, it will further strengthen Indo-US defence cooperation and help India become one of the most advanced air forces in the world.