A US Air Force F-35 lands in India in September 2026 ahead of the Tarang Shakti 2026 air exercises in India’s northwestern Rajasthan region. The United States has sought to market the F-35 to India, but existing laws and the plane’s high price tag have obstructed a sale. (US Air Force/Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Jackson)

Why the US Refused Indian Officials Access to F-35s During Joint Exercises

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The US Air Force sent six F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to join India’s “Tarang Shakti 2026” air exercises, but was less than willing to show the planes off.

India isn’t going to be operating the US-made F-35 Lightning II any time soon. Since President Donald Trump first floated the idea that Washington could sell the fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter to New Delhi back during a White House visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been speculation that such a deal could take place. But it won’t; as previously reported, India’s purchase of the Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” air defense system is a hurdle that can’t be cleared.

NATO member Turkey (Türkiye) was........

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