The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief makes remarks about not being allowed near US F-35 aircraft, saying this is why there is no formal offer for India to buy the jets. Multiple outlets report the comment as light and framed in response to discussions held alongside a US commander, with the chief stating that India is not granted access to the aircraft but that talks about selling them continue.
The reports present the same core message but with different emphasis. India Today and Times of India focus on the public, conversational nature of the exchange, noting that the IAF chief speaks while seated beside a US commander. Swarajya highlights the denial of a formal US offer for F-35 jets, portraying the remark as a denial of any concrete procurement offer rather than an announcement of new terms.
Across sources, the accounts align that the IAF chief’s comments relate to access to F-35s and the absence of a formal offer, rather than providing details of any agreement, timeline, or contractual process.
