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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘The Need for 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft in India’ : 5 August

Daily News Analysis ‘The Need for 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft in India’ : 5 August

Table of Content

Background:

  • India’s current air force mainly uses 4th and 4.5 generation fighter jets like Rafale, Su-30MKI, etc.
  • Many of these jets are old and will retire in the next 10–15 years.
  • Countries like the USA (F-35, F-22), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57) already have 5th-generation fighter jets.
  • India is working on its own 5th-generation jet – the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Current Situation:

  • India has 31 fighter squadrons now, but needs 42 squadrons for full strength.
  • The LCA Tejas Mk1 is in service. Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 are coming soon.
  • The AMCA project is in early stages; the first flight may take 10 years.
  • India is also considering buying a small number of F-35 (USA) or Su-57 (Russia) as a temporary solution.
 

Problems India is Facing:

  1. Rising Threats:
    • China has over 1,300 modern fighters and already uses 5th-gen stealth jets.
    • Pakistan is expected to get 40 J-35 stealth jets from China.
  2. High Costs
    • 5th generation jets need huge investment in research and production.
    • AMCA project will cost more than ₹15,000 crore.
  3. Foreign Dependence
    • India still depends on other countries for jet engines, radar, and stealth materials.
    • Recent delays in engine deliveries for Tejas Mk1A show the risks.
  4. Slow Production
    • HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.) has limited capacity, causing delays in Tejas Mk1A delivery.
    • Fast delivery is needed to maintain squadron numbers.
  5. No 5th Gen Jet in Service Yet
    • AMCA will take time.
    • No current 5th-gen fighter in India’s fleet.

Way Forward:

  1. Speed Up AMCA:
    • Involve private companies for faster development.
    • Finalize engine partnership and begin testing early.
  2. Improve Production:
    • HAL should increase production speed.
    • Set up new lines for AMCA and Tejas.
  3. Import Few Jets if Needed:
    • Import a small number of 5th-gen fighters (F-35 or Su-57) only to fill the gap temporarily.
  4. Develop Indigenous Technology:
    • Focus on making radars, sensors, and engines in India.
    • Promote collaboration between DRDO, private sector, and academic institutes.
  5. Modern Air Warfare Planning:
    • Use 5th-gen jets with drones, satellites, and surveillance systems.
    • Build a strong and smart air defence system.
Why in News?
  • The Indian Air Force is set to retire its last MiG-21 squadrons in September 2025, highlighting the urgent need for 5th generation fighter jets like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to fill the growing capability gap
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