India Greenlights Stealth Fighter Project Amidst Border Strains

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Visitors observe a prototype of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the nation’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, at the Aero India 2025 air show held at Yelahanka Air Base in Bengaluru, India, on February 11, 2025.

NEW DELHI: The Indian defense minister has authorized a plan to develop the country’s most sophisticated stealth fighter jet, according to a statement from the defense ministry on Tuesday. This announcement comes amid an intensified arms competition with Pakistan, only weeks after a military clash between the two nations.

The Aeronautical Development Agency, a government entity leading the project, will soon seek preliminary interest from defense contractors to create a prototype of this aircraft, which is designed to be a twin-engine fifth-generation fighter, as per the ministry’s announcement.

This initiative is vital for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has seen its fleet size decrease to 31 squadrons, down from a sanctioned strength of 42. This decline occurs as China rapidly expands its air force. Pakistan currently operates several advanced warplanes from China, including the J-10.

The militaries of India and Pakistan, both armed with nuclear capabilities, clashed for four days earlier this month, employing a range of weaponry including fighter jets, missiles, and drones before a ceasefire was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

This conflict marked the first extensive deployment of drones by both sides, leading to a new chapter in aerial warfare for these South Asian nations, as reported by Reuters, following interviews with security officials, industry leaders, and analysts from both countries.

Notably, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) managed to down five IAF aircraft during this engagement, which included three Rafales, one Su30MKI, and one MIG-29 Fulcrum.

India is set to collaborate with a domestic company for its stealth fighter project, and both private and state-owned firms can submit bids either independently or in joint ventures, according to the defense ministry’s announcement.

In March, an Indian defense committee suggested integrating private sector capabilities into military aircraft production, aiming to enhance the IAF’s capacity and alleviate the workload on Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which primarily manufactures India’s military aircraft.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has previously expressed concerns regarding HAL’s slow production rates for the light combat Tejas aircraft, a 4.5 generation fighter, attributing delays to supply chain issues affecting engine deliveries from General Electric.