Wednesday | May 28, 2025
India has taken a significant step forward in its defense modernization efforts by approving a framework to build the country’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday. This move comes amid a renewed military buildup between India and Pakistan, following a recent four-day conflict involving air and ground clashes.
The Indian government’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a state-run institution under the Ministry of Defence, has been tasked with leading the initiative. According to the ministry, the ADA will soon issue an invitation for initial expressions of interest from defense firms to begin the process of designing and developing a prototype of the new stealth aircraft. The aircraft is envisioned as a twin-engine, fifth-generation fighter jet equipped with cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced avionics, and superior maneuverability.
The project is considered vital for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has seen its operational strength diminish in recent years. Currently, the IAF operates 31 fighter squadrons, down from the sanctioned strength of 42, mainly comprising aging Russian and ex-Soviet platforms. Meanwhile, regional security concerns continue to grow as neighboring China rapidly expands its air force and Pakistan enhances its capabilities with Chinese-built fighters, including the advanced J-10 multirole aircraft.
The urgency of India’s defense modernization was further underscored by the recent military confrontation with Pakistan. Over four days, both countries deployed fighter jets, drones, missiles, and artillery in a significant escalation of hostilities. The conflict marked the first time both sides employed drones on a large scale, sparking what defense analysts describe as a new drone arms race in South Asia. According to Reuters interviews with multiple security officials, defense industry executives, and analysts, this escalation has created new pressure on both militaries to invest heavily in next-generation combat technologies.
In a bid to enhance domestic defense production and reduce dependency on imports, the Ministry of Defence stated that the stealth fighter program will be executed in partnership with Indian companies. Both private sector firms and state-owned enterprises will be eligible to submit bids, either independently or as part of joint ventures. This aligns with the government’s broader push to encourage private sector involvement in defense manufacturing and to diversify the sources of military hardware production.
Earlier in March, an Indian defense panel had recommended a greater role for the private sector in aircraft production. This decision was aimed at bolstering the Indian Air Force’s capabilities while easing the production burden on Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the state-owned aerospace and defense firm responsible for manufacturing the majority of India’s military aircraft. HAL has faced criticism over delays in delivering the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft, a 4.5 generation fighter. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has publicly voiced concerns over HAL’s performance, attributing setbacks to production bottlenecks, including engine supply delays from General Electric, which has been affected by broader supply chain disruptions.
With the new stealth fighter initiative, India aims to not only modernize its air force but also strengthen its position as a regional aerospace power. The project represents a critical opportunity for the country to develop indigenous capabilities in advanced military aviation and reduce its long-standing reliance on foreign suppliers.
