News: The potential sale of F-35 stealth fighters to India signals a major shift in India’s defence strategy, as it would be a significant enhancement to its air power.
About the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter
- The F-35 Lightning II stealthy, multirole fighter jets are designed for a wide range of tactical missions.
- The aircraft comes in three variants: the F-35A (conventional take-off and landing for the Air Force), F-35B (short take-off and vertical landing for the Marine Corps), and F-35C (carrier-based variant for the U.S. Navy).
Features of the aircraft
- The F-35 is known for its advanced stealth capabilities, allowing it to evade detection by enemy radar systems.
- This makes it a crucial asset for modern air forces, enabling them to conduct operations in contested environments with a reduced risk of being targeted by enemy defences.
- It is considered one of the most advanced fighter jets globally, with over 990 aircraft delivered to date.
- The F-35 also incorporates cutting-edge sensor systems, such as the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, which provides superior situational awareness, and the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for enhanced detection of threats in all directions.
- Its advanced avionics and sensor fusion capabilities allow the pilot to receive and process information from various sensors and platforms, making decisions quickly and accurately.
- The aircraft is equipped with advanced weaponry, including precision-guided bombs and missiles, making it highly effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.
- One of the standout features of the F-35 is its interoperability with other NATO forces and allied air forces, which makes it a powerful addition to coalition operations.
