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India has initiated the process to locally develop a fifth-generation combat aircraft, with three firms shortlisted to submit proposals, according to defense officials cited by ANI. These bidders include Tata Advanced Systems, along with joint ventures between Larsen and Toubro, Bharat Electronics, and Bharat Forge—all Indian companies.
The project was launched last year following India’s approval, shortly after a serious military conflict with Pakistan, to build stealth fighter jets. It plays a key role in strengthening the Indian Air Force, which has seen its fleet of mostly Russian aircraft decline to fewer than 30 squadrons, down from the sanctioned strength of 42.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader goal of boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities. The U.S. has offered its advanced F-35 fighter jets, while Russia has countered with its fifth-generation Su-57; however, India has remained non-committal toward both options.
Traditionally dependent on importing military hardware, India has been increasingly promoting homegrown defense production under Modi’s leadership. Defense manufacturing revenue hit a record INR 1.54 trillion (around $16.09 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2025.
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