F-35 Fighter Jet Price in Indian Rupees, Top-speed, Specifications and Characteristics
The F-35 Lightning II, made by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter jet. It is known for its advanced avionics, great stealth, and strong combat performance. As one of the most advanced jets globally, the F-35 has three variants: F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based). Each variant is designed for unique mission needs.
The F-35 has a top speed of Mach 1.6 (about 1,200 mph or 1,930 km/h) and a range of 1,350 nautical miles. It excels in air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. With sensor fusion, radar-evading stealth technology, and advanced weapon systems, it offers unmatched situational awareness and firepower.
The price of an F-35 ranges from 78 million to 100 million (approximately ₹650 crore to ₹830 crore, depending on variant and configuration). India has not yet acquired the F-35, but its capabilities position it as a strong option for future defense needs. This jet stands as a symbol of modern aerial warfare, blending speed, stealth, and cutting-edge technology.
F-35 Fighter Jet Price in Indian Rupees
The F-35 Lightning II is one of the most advanced stealth fighter jets in the world, and its price varies depending on the variant and configuration.
F-35 Price in Indian Rupees
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F-35A (Conventional Takeoff & Landing): $78–82 million (≈ ₹650–680 crore)
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F-35B (Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing – STOVL): $101–110 million (≈ ₹840–920 crore)
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F-35C (Carrier-Based): $94–102 million (≈ ₹780–850 crore)
Read More: INS Vikrant Price in India, Specifications and Characteristics
Specs
| Category | F-35A (CTOL) | F-35B (STOVL) | F-35C (Carrier) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Multirole Stealth Fighter | STOVL Multirole Fighter | Carrier-Based Stealth Fighter |
| Unit Cost (USD) | $78–82M (~₹650–680 Cr) | $101–110M (~₹840–920 Cr) | $94–102M (~₹780–850 Cr) |
| Top Speed | Mach 1.6 (1,930 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (1,930 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (1,930 km/h) |
| Combat Range | 1,350 nmi (2,500 km) | 900 nmi (1,667 km) | 1,200 nmi (2,222 km) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 70,000 lb (31,750 kg) | 60,000 lb (27,215 kg) | 70,000 lb (31,750 kg) |
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 (43,000 lbf thrust) | F135-PW-600 (41,000 lbf w/ lift fan) | F135-PW-100 (43,000 lbf thrust) |
| Stealth | Very Low Observable (VLO) Radar Cross-Section | VLO Design | VLO Design |
| Weapons Capacity | Internal: 4,500 lb (2,040 kg) External (non-stealth): 18,000 lb (8,160 kg) |
Internal: 3,500 lb (1,590 kg) | Internal: 5,700 lb (2,590 kg) |
| Avionics | AN/APG-81 AESA Radar, DAS (360° IRST), EW Suite | Same as F-35A | Same as F-35A |
| Unique Feature | Standard Runway Ops | Vertical Landing Capability |
Alternatives
| Specs | F-35 Lightning II (USA) | Dassault Rafale (France) | Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Russia) | Chengdu J-20 (China) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Role | 5th-gen stealth multirole | 4.5-gen multirole | 4+ gen air superiority | 5th-gen stealth air dominance |
| Unit Cost | $78–110M (~₹650–920 Cr) | $115–125M (~₹950–1,040 Cr) | $50–60M (~₹415–500 Cr) | $110M+ (~₹900+ Cr, est.) |
| Top Speed | Mach 1.6 (1,930 km/h) | Mach 1.8 (2,223 km/h) | Mach 2.0 (2,120 km/h) | Mach 2.0+ (est.) |
| Range | 1,350 nmi (2,500 km) | 1,850 nmi (3,700 km) | 1,800 nmi (3,000 km) | 1,200 nmi (est.) |
| Engine | F135 (43,000 lbf) | Snecma M88 (17,000 lbf) | AL-31FP (27,500 lbf x 2) | WS-10C/15 (est. 35,000 lbf x 2) |
| Stealth | ✅ (VLO design) | ❌ (Semi-stealth coatings) | ❌ | ✅ (Less proven than F-35) |
| Radar | AN/APG-81 (AESA) | RBE2-AA (AESA) | N011M Bars (PESA) | Type 1475 (AESA, est.) |
| Weapons Load | 18,000 lb (external + internal) | 21,000 lb | 17,600 lb | ~20,000 lb (est.) |
| Unique Feature | Sensor fusion, networked warfare | Omnirole capability | Super maneuverability (Thrust vectoring) | Long-range stealth focus |
FAQs
1. How much does an F-35 cost in Indian rupees?
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F-35A: ~₹650–680 crore ($78–82M)
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F-35B: ~₹840–920 crore ($101–110M)
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F-35C: ~₹780–850 crore ($94–102M)
(Prices vary based on configuration & exchange rates.)
2. What is the F-35’s top speed?
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Mach 1.6 (~1,930 km/h or 1,200 mph) – Slower than some 4th-gen jets (like Su-30MKI) but optimized for stealth & fuel efficiency.
3. Is the F-35 better than the Rafale?
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Stealth: ✅ F-35 wins (Rafale has no true stealth).
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Speed & Payload: ❌ Rafale is faster (Mach 1.8) and carries more weapons externally.
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Avionics: Both have AESA radars, but F-35’s sensor fusion gives it an edge in situational awareness.
4. Can India buy the F-35?
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Not yet. The U.S. restricts F-35 sales to close allies (NATO, Japan, etc.). India would need deeper defense ties with the U.S. and likely exit its reliance on Russian systems (like S-400).
5. Why is the F-35 so expensive?
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Stealth tech, AI-powered sensors, and global supply chain costs. However, prices have dropped since initial production.
6. What are the F-35’s weaknesses?
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Limited supersonic endurance (engine overheats at Mach 1.6+ for long).
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High maintenance (stealth coatings require careful upkeep).
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Dependence on software updates (cyber vulnerabilities possible).
7. How does the F-35 compare to China’s J-20?
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Stealth: Both are 5th-gen, but F-35’s is more proven.
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Engine: J-20’s WS-15 engines are still in development (less reliable than F-35’s F135).
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Export: J-20 is not for sale, while F-35 is exported to allies.
8. Will India’s AMCA be like the F-35?
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Goal: Yes (5th-gen stealth, sensor fusion), but AMCA is still in development (expected post-2030).
Conclusion
The F-35 Lightning II is one of the most advanced stealth fighters worldwide. It offers unmatched sensor fusion, network-centric warfare, and low radar visibility. However, its high cost (₹650–920 crore per unit) and political restrictions complicate India’s decision. Still, its combat effectiveness in modern warfare is clear.
In comparison, the Rafale shines in speed and payload but lacks stealth. The Su-30MKI is powerful but aging, facing maintenance issues. China’s J-20 poses a stealth challenge, but its unproven engines and non-export status limit its appeal for India.
For the Indian Air Force, a mix of 4.5-gen fighters (like Rafale) may be best until the indigenous AMCA (5th-gen stealth fighter) is ready. If geopolitical conditions change, the F-35 could be an option in the future. For now, India should upgrade its fleet with available and reliable alternatives.
