"The US won't even let us get close"—India laments over F-35 fighter jets.

Bangla Press Desk: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh made a humorous yet wistful remark, noting that even though the US's state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets have arrived in India, no one is allowed to get anywhere near them.
Six US F-35 stealth fighter jets arrived in India for the first time to participate in the international air exercise 'Tarang Shakti,' which recently concluded in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The Indian Air Force Chief attended a joint press conference with US Pacific Air Forces Commander General Kevin Schneider on the final day of the exercise.
During the press conference, journalists asked whether the US had offered to sell these fifth-generation fighter jets to India.
In response, the Air Force Chief quipped, "You don't even let us get close to the aircraft, yet you speak of selling them!"
However, he immediately clarified that his comment was made in jest and should not be taken seriously. He added that any country adheres to such strict protocols to safeguard its sensitive and classified military technology; even India does not share all its technologies with everyone.
Meanwhile, US Commander Kevin Schneider stated that the extent to which the fighter jet's technology or data can be shared depends on specific defense directives and guidelines.
India is currently working on developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet, a project that will take some time to reach completion. In the interim, the country is considering other options to address regional challenges, such as China's J-20 and J-35 jets or Pakistan's potential acquisition of new fighter aircraft.
Regarding this, the Air Force Chief mentioned that although Russia has offered its 'Sukhoi-57' fighter jet, India has not yet made a final decision on the matter. Source: NDTV
BP/TD