Weeks following military action against Pakistan under “Operation Sindoor,” India on Tuesday sanctioned a new framework to develop its most sophisticated stealth fighter aircraft.
ADA to Lead Development of Twin-Engine 5th-Gen Fighter
The Aeronautical Development Agency, the nodal PSU for the implementation of the programme, will soon invite expressions of interest from defence firms to design a prototype of the twin-engine powered 5th generation fighter aircraft, the defence ministry stated in a release.
India will collaborate with a local firm to develop its 5th-generation fighter aircraft, and firms can bid separately or as a joint venture, Reuters reported. The defence ministry stated that the bids will be available for bidding from both private and state-owned enterprises.
Private Sector Involvement Aimed to Ease HAL Pressure
In March, the Centre suggested involving the private sector in producing warplanes for the defense forces as a bid to ease the pressure on state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
HAL has in the past been faulted for slow production of light fighter Tejas planes, a 4.5 generation fighter. The PSU attributed the delay to slow delivery of engines from General Electric due to supply chain problems experienced by the US company.
5th-Gen Fighter Jets Crucial for IAF as Squadron Strength Declines
The 5th gen fighter aircraft programme is important in order to maintain the war-fighting capability of the Indian Air Force, whose squadron strength has been reduced to 31 from an authorized strength of 42. A squadron generally has 16-18 aircraft.
The force was instrumental during India’s “Operation Sindoor” by blasting terror networks and other vital military facilities during its retaliation against Pakistan’s provocation.
India Eyes Air Superiority Amid China’s Growing Capabilities
Keeping the IAF strong is important while China is quickly increasing its air capability, Reuters said. The J-10, China’s best warplane, is possessed by Pakistan.
Besides China’s J-35 fighters, America’s F-22 and F-35, and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 are active 5th-generation fighter aircraft employed by their military forces.
