The Indian Navy has explored options for advanced carrier-based fighter jets, with the F-35B Lightning II—Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation STOVL (short take-off and vertical landing) variant—emerging as a notable contender. Its capability to operate from smaller flight decks made it particularly attractive for replacing the decommissioned Sea Harrier jump jets and complementing the existing MiG-29K fleet. The F-35B’s advanced stealth, sensors, and vertical lift capabilities promised to significantly enhance the Navy’s operational flexibility and overall combat effectiveness.
