New Delhi: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said US personnel do not allow Indian officers even near the F-35 fighter aircraft, and that the cockpit was not shown to them.
He made the remarks while addressing reporters alongside US Air Forces commander Gen. Kevin Schneider in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Singh said the aircraft was permitted to fly in a formation display, but access to key areas was restricted.
The IAF chief also stated that the United States has not given India any official proposal or formal offer to sell the fifth-generation F-35. He added that Russia has offered its fifth-generation Su-57, but no decision has been taken.
Responding to the comments, Gen. Schneider said he does not have the authority to decide what can or cannot be shown to foreign nationals on the F-35.
