US Barred Indian Air Chief AP Singh From Approaching F-35 Jets During Joint Air Exercises

October 10, 2026: The United States did not allow Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh or other Indian personnel to approach its fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets during the recent multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, according to remarks made by the Indian air chief himself.

Speaking at the closing press conference of the exercise in Jodhpur on Saturday, AP Singh made a pointed remark about the restrictions on access to the American aircraft, which participated in the exercise for the first time.

Responding to a question while seated alongside the commander of US Pacific Air Forces, Singh said jokingly, “Your people don't even let us go near the aircraft, and you're talking about selling it to us.”

His remarks highlighted the restrictions on Indian access to the advanced American fighter, despite growing defence cooperation between Washington and New Delhi. They also raised questions about the extent to which the United States would be willing to share access to its sensitive stealth technology with India.

The comments come as India continues to explore options for acquiring fifth-generation fighter aircraft to address capability gaps in its air force. However, Singh clarified that the Indian government has not yet decided whether to evaluate Russia's Su-57 fifth-generation fighter.

He said the Indian Air Force would assess the Russian aircraft's suitability for its operational requirements only after the government takes a decision on the matter.

India is currently developing its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme while examining options to address a shortage of fighter squadrons.