The Indian Navy has long been in pursuit of advanced fighter aircraft capable of carrier-based operations. Among the more ambitious options under consideration was the F-35B Lightning II, the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. Its ability to operate from compact flight decks—similar to those used by helicopters—positioned the F-35B as a compelling candidate to replace the aging Sea Harrier fleet. Additionally, it was seen as a potential complement to the existing MiG-29K fighters, significantly enhancing the Navy’s combat readiness and operational versatility.
