India needs its AMCA for air power and strategic autonomy

Operation Sindoor in May 2025 was a resounding testament to India's aerial dominance over Pakistan.

- K. SIDDHARTHA & NALEEN CHANDRA

This feat significantly bolstered the nation's confidence and contributed to the achievement of its strategic objectives.

RACE FOR STEALTH AND ENGINE PROWESS India has in Rafale a 4.5 generation jet. The global rise of fifth- and sixth-generation fighter jets necessitates India's indigenous development of stealth capabilities. While China, Russia, and the US have fifth-generation aircraft, and China is testing sixth, India's progress, led by HAL, faces concerns. In February 2025, the Chief of Air Staff expressed a lack of confidence in HAL's commitment due to persistent delays in the delivery of the 83 Tejas Mark 1 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force in 2021, with deliveries initially expected to begin in mid-2024.

The IAF's current 31 squadrons (under 600 jets) fall significantly short of its 42-squadron (756 aircraft) operational requirement, highlighting the pressing need to enhance air force strength. A key decision involves prioritising domestically produced aircraft versus interim foreign acquisitions to address this capability gap, a choice with long-term strategic and economic consequences for India's defence readiness.

Operation Sindoor has significantly increased global attention on India's defence capabilities, demonstrating the effectiveness of its systems against threats and sparking interest in its digital technology advancements and indigenous defence production. This heightened international interest presents opportunities and challenges for India's defence sector in meeting expectations and strengthening domestic manufacturing.