During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent U.S. visit, President Donald Trump proposed selling F-35 fighter jets to India. This offer arrives as the Indian Air Force (IAF) grapples with a shortage of modern fighter jets, with plans to purchase over 100 new aircraft soon. As the IAF considers its options, the F-35 and the Rafale F4 are top contenders. Both jets present unique advantages, but which is the most cost-effective? The Indian Defense Research Wing (IDRW) has analyzed the costs and long-term maintenance expenses to provide clarity.

F-35: The Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter with Cutting-Edge Technology

The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter available in three variants:

• F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing)
• F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing)
• F-35C (carrier-based)

For land-based operations, the F-35A is a suitable option for the IAF, being the most affordable variant due to mass production. However, its higher operational and maintenance costs are a significant consideration.

Cost Breakdown of the F-35A

According to U.S. government data, the flyaway cost for an F-35A jet is approximately $82.5 million. Including training, spare parts, and auxiliary equipment, the total cost per unit reaches $100-110 million. For 110 F-35A jets, the total acquisition cost is estimated at $12.1 billion, with additional costs for weapons packages. The operational cost is around $33,000 per flight hour, which means that over 40 years, operational costs for 110 F-35A jets would total $33 billion.

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Rafale F4: The Advanced 4.5-Generation Multirole Fighter

The Rafale F4, an advanced 4.5-generation fighter, is already in service with the Indian Air Force, offering a significant advantage in terms of familiarity and integration. This aircraft is known for its lower operational costs compared to fifth-generation fighters, making it a compelling option for India.

Cost Breakdown of the Rafale F4

The total cost of 36 Rafale jets under India’s initial deal was $8.7 billion, which translates to $242 million per unit. For 110 Rafale F4 jets, the estimated acquisition cost is $14.3 billion, including basic training and spare parts. Its operational cost is around $16,500 per flight hour, which over 40 years would total $18.15 billion. Additionally, maintenance costs for Rafale are significantly lower than the F-35, with a total of $9.98 billion for 110 jets over 40 years.

Long-Term Cost Comparison: F-35 vs Rafale F4

When comparing the total 40-year Lifetime Cost (LCC), the F-35’s total expenditure reaches $80.16 billion for 110 units, including acquisition, operational costs, maintenance, and upgrades. In contrast, the Rafale F4’s total cost over the same period is $48.71 billion, making it more cost-effective in terms of long-term maintenance and operations despite its higher initial acquisition cost.

Balancing Immediate Costs with Long-Term Benefits

While the F-35 offers advanced technology, it comes with significantly higher operational and maintenance costs. On the other hand, the Rafale F4, while more expensive upfront, proves to be more cost-effective over the long run. India must consider its strategic needs, budget limitations, and goals for self-reliance in defense technology as it makes this critical decision.

India’s decision on whether to go with the F-35 or the Rafale F4 will have long-term strategic and financial implications. Balancing short-term expenditure with long-term sustainability will be key to the Indian Air Force’s success in the coming decades.

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