U.S. Embassy in India made a written statement about the arrival of the United States Air Force’s F-35 at Aero India 2023. Major General Julian C. Cheater, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, said, “The F-35 represents the leading edge of U.S. fighter technology. Aero India is an ideal forum to showcase the most advanced, capable, lethal, and interoperable weapons systems the U.S. has to offer.”

The F-35’s debut at Aero India coincided with a time when Indian authorities were conducting market research for the Indian Air Force (IAF) ’s supply of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). The French Dassault Rafale platform also stands out for the said tender. There are 36 Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force inventory. The MRFA is expected to be a $20 billion programme.