Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

What does India need for 5th generation fighter plane? Experts explained clearly

New Delhi : Recently, Air Force Chief AP Singh had expressed concern over the delay in getting fighter planes to the Air Force. The Air Force Chief had clearly said that China is trialling the sixth generation fighter plane and we are waiting for Tejas to join the Air Force. Air Force Chief Singh bluntly said that time plays an important role in the defense sector. In such a situation, if the deadline is not kept in mind then the technology is of no use.

Actually, India is working on the fifth generation fighter aircraft. In such a situation, regarding the pace of manufacturing new aircraft, experts say that for this, India needs to join hands with its allies. According to media reports, Air Marshal M. Matheswaran (retd) suggests that India needs a ‘risk sharing’ partner. The retired air marshal has served on the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). Along with this, talks have been held with Russia on Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA).

Need for risk sharing partner

According to the former Air Force officer, India should bargain with two or three countries simultaneously for maximum benefits. he/she said that we have to choose a partner. We need a risk sharing partner for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Someone who could fill the gap in the development of the LCA Mk2.

Experts suggest India to collaborate with new partners to accelerate technology development and improve economies of scale. In such a situation, India should avoid the offer of American F-21. This is nothing more than redesigning the F-16. This will serve neither strategic nor industry objectives. India should look to the future.

India should keep its options open

In such a situation, it is important that India keeps its options open. For this, talks should be held with 2-3 countries simultaneously. Those who meet our requirements and are ready for technology transfer should be asked to come and manufacture in India. There is no other way to boost our industry and have a highly skilled workforce.

Air Force will have to increase capacity

Former Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Anil Khosla also agreed on the need for LCA MK2. When he/she was asked whether the Air Force should abandon the plan to buy 4+ generation aircraft and instead choose the fifth generation fighter aircraft. On this, Air Marshal Anil Khosla (retired) told Eurasian Times that no, we should not leave it.

he/she said that the biggest need of the hour is to increase our combat capability and combat power. We need to procure aircraft under the MRFA deal process to bridge the gap, accelerate the project, increase the production rate of Tejas Mk-1A and Mk-2 and accelerate the AMCA project.

Only 3 countries have 5th generation fighter planes

Till now, only three countries in the world, China, America and Russia, have fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft. Türkiye is also cooperating with Azerbaijan. There are also reports of involving Pakistan for the manufacturing of 5th generation fighter jet KAAN. The KAI KF-21 Baromae is a South Korean and Indonesian advanced multi-purpose aircraft targeted to enter service in 2026.

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