India has recently approved a framework to develop its own stealth fighter aircraft, in response to reports of China expediting the delivery of stealth fighter jets to Pakistan. The move comes as India aims to bolster its military capabilities to counter Pakistan’s air superiority over its western neighbor.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given the green light to a project to build India’s first stealth aircraft, which will be a twin-engine, 5th Generation military aircraft. The project will be overseen by the state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The defence ministry has outlined a framework for the project, inviting both public and private defence firms to express their interest in participating by developing a prototype for the stealth aircraft.
In a bid to boost private manufacturing in the defence sector and alleviate pressure on state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the primary fighter jet maker in India, the decision to involve private firms in the project was recommended by a top defence committee. HAL has faced significant delays in its projects, particularly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, citing slow delivery of jet engines from US firm General Electric.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is also working on developing its indigenous aircraft engine under the GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri Engine project, mainly for the LCA Tejas fighter jet. India has accelerated the development of its stealth fighter project as it currently relies on Russian and French military aircraft for its air force, with the number of squadrons below the approved strength.
With China’s rapid expansion of its air force and its support for Pakistan in enhancing its military capabilities, India has prioritized the development of its own stealth aircraft. While India focuses on 5th Generation military aircraft, China has already developed and tested its 6th Generation aircraft, the J-36, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Pakistan has already received one of China’s most advanced fighter aircraft, the J-10, and reports suggest that Beijing has offered Pakistan its most advanced stealth fighter jet, the Shenyang J-35, at a discounted price.