Washington: The United States is mounting pressure on India to purchase either its F-21 or F-15EX fighter jets. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to procure 114 multi-role fighter aircraft under its MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) program. However, this pressure from the US comes at a time when trade disputes between the two nations have escalated, with Washington threatening to impose tariffs on Indian goods. Additionally, former US President Donald Trump had previously offered India the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet. According to media reports, the US has indicated that India could receive trade benefits if it decides to buy American fighter jets.
Concerns of the Indian Air Force
Despite the US push, the Indian Air Force has concerns regarding both the F-21 and F-15EX. The primary issue revolves around whether these fighter jets can effectively counter regional threats. The IAF is carefully assessing their technical capabilities before making any decision.
Doubts Over the F-15EX Fighter Jet
There is no doubt that the American F-21 and F-15EX are advanced fighter jets, but questions persist regarding their operational viability in Indian conditions. Both jets are upgraded variants of older US fighter aircraft, but they lack the stealth and advanced capabilities required to counter China’s fifth-generation J-20 and J-35A stealth fighters. This is a major concern for India, especially since Pakistan has already announced its purchase of the J-35 from China. Investing in aircraft that do not align with India’s defense requirements remains a questionable choice.
While the US has offered the F-35 stealth fighter jet to India, such purchases come with significant conditions. The US is unwilling to allow the F-35 to be manufactured in India, whereas New Delhi insists on domestic production.
Moreover, India’s MRFA tender focuses on acquiring medium-weight fighter jets, whereas the F-15EX is a heavy aircraft. Although it is a better option than the F-21, India already operates the Russian Su-30MKI, which is of similar weight class. The IAF prefers a medium-weight fighter jet to maintain a balance between performance, capability, and maintenance. India’s defense procurement decisions are based on strategic autonomy, and the IAF remains firm on choosing aircraft that meet its operational needs rather than succumbing to external pressure.
Capabilities of the F-15EX
The F-15EX is the latest variant of the F-15 Advanced Eagle series, an upgraded version of the F-15E Strike Eagle. Designed for superior combat performance, it features an Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejection Rack (AMBER) system, enabling it to carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles. This makes it significantly more lethal than previous F-15 models.
The AMBER missile rack system enhances the jet’s ability to strike multiple targets simultaneously, allowing it to carry and deploy smaller bombs with high precision. Each AMBER rack can accommodate four missiles, with four racks under each wing and one beneath the fuselage, making the F-15EX a heavily armed fighter jet.
The aircraft can also carry up to 20 long-range AIM-120D missiles and two AIM-9X missiles on its wingtips, bringing the total missile count to 22. While there is no doubt about the F-15EX’s firepower, its suitability for India’s specific defense requirements is still under evaluation. The IAF is carefully assessing its options to ensure the selected fighter jet aligns with India’s long-term defense strategy and operational needs.
