India has officially entered the global race to develop fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, as the central government approved a comprehensive plan on Tuesday to design and manufacture an advanced twin-engine warplane. This strategic move comes just weeks after India launched military action against Pakistan under “Operation Sindoor.”
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a key public sector unit under the Ministry of Defence, will lead the ambitious project. The ADA will soon issue an invitation for expressions of interest (EoI) from defence firms to collaborate on building a prototype of the stealth aircraft.
The Ministry also confirmed that both private and public sector companies will be eligible to bid independently or form joint ventures. This aligns with the Centre’s ongoing efforts to enhance private sector participation in defence production, reducing over-reliance on the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
In March, the government had already advocated for more private involvement in military aircraft production following criticism of HAL for delays in delivering the Tejas light combat aircraft. HAL attributed the slow rollout to engine supply chain issues from US-based General Electric.
A Crucial Programme for the Indian Air Force
The fifth-generation fighter jet programme is being viewed as critical for revitalizing the Indian Air Force (IAF), whose operational squadron strength has dwindled to just 31—far short of the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. Each squadron typically consists of 16 to 18 fighter jets.
The IAF recently demonstrated its strategic might during “Operation Sindoor,” in which it effectively targeted terrorist infrastructure and key military installations in Pakistan following cross-border escalations.
As regional tensions rise, particularly with China rapidly advancing its aerial capabilities, the need for India to bolster its air power has become more urgent. China has inducted advanced platforms like the J-10 and J-35 fighter jets, while Pakistan has added the J-10C to its fleet.
India’s entry into the fifth-generation fighter domain places it among a small group of nations operating such jets, including the United States (F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (J-35).
Domestic Development with Global Implications
The stealth jet project signifies a major leap in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. By building indigenous fifth-generation aircraft, India not only aims to strengthen its national security but also enter the elite league of aerospace innovators.
Defence analysts believe that this move, if executed efficiently and on time, could significantly alter the balance of power in South Asia, especially as India seeks to counter growing threats from both its western and northern borders.
Sources By Agencies
