F-35’s for India?

DoD’s “Report to Congress on U.S.-India Security Cooperation” garnered attention last week for stating that “the United States would be prepared to provide information on the [F-35 Joint Strike Fighter] and its requirements (infrastructure, security, etc.) to support India’s future planning.” Although India’s decision earlier this year not to down-select either the F-16 or F/A-18 in its Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft competition was disappointing, it does not appear to have derailed U.S.-India defense cooperation. From DoD’s point of view, it would be in America’s interests for India to fly the F-35, which would significantly enhance the Indian military’s ability to interoperate with U.S. forces and those of American allies.

The report is worth reading in full, as it makes clear the extent of U.S.-India defense cooperation efforts already underway. Some quick highlights:

• 56 “cooperative events” in FY 2011 – “more than India conducted with any other country”
• Seven annual combined military exercises
• Four instances of operational cooperation in the last decade
• More than 20 Foreign Military Sales agreements since 2002

The report asserts that “the United States and India are natural partners, destined to be closer because of shared interests and values and our mutual desire for a stable and secure world. A strong bilateral partnership is in U.S. interests and benefits both countries.” DoD, at least, is working to build that partnership.