Heavy speculation in Chinese media that India could be buying US F-15EX or F-21 to fight two-front war

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India’s acquisition of French Rafale fighter jets appears to have rattled China, triggering heavy speculation in the Chinese media that New Delhi could now be homing on to buying either F-15EX or F-21 from the United States.</p>
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The speculation has escalated after the first summit on Friday of the Indo-Pacific Quad grouping comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia.</p>
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The publication Sina, citing Indian media sources said that the US is marketing two advanced combat aircraft F-15EX and F-21 to the Indian Air Force (IAF).</p>
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It added that India may need more fighters to counter the challenges brought by China and Pakistan on the northern and western fronts.</p>
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“In order to meet the requirements of the IAF, the Indian government has been considering bidding for the "Medium Multi-Function Fighter" (MMRCA 2.0). The United States has recommended F15EX and F-21 fighter jets to India.”</p>
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The report stressed that the US aerospace giant Boeing has previously revealed that Washington has approved the sale of the latest heavy fighter F-15EX to India. On the other hand, the American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Maryland, also provided India with F-21 fighter jets to enhance its air power.</p>
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According to reports, the F-21 uses the common components and technologies of the fifth-generation American stealth fighter. However, the Boeing F-15EX will provide the Indian Air Force with a heavy-duty fighter that can fight deep into Pakistan’s territory and has the ability to fight against China in the high-altitude areas of Ladakh.</p>