NEW DELHI, May 27 (Alliance News): India has taken a major step towards developing its most advanced fighter jet yet, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the framework for building a fifth-generation twin-engine stealth warplane.
The move comes in the wake of a recent military conflict with Pakistan and amid growing concerns over China’s rapid military expansion.
According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, the state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will soon invite proposals from domestic defence companies for the development of a prototype. The project aims to strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF), whose squadron strength has dropped to 31 against the sanctioned 42, leaving a gap in operational capability.
This strategic initiative also follows heightened military tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan earlier this month. The four-day conflict involved the use of fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery by both sides before a ceasefire was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. It marked the first large-scale use of drones by both countries, prompting a new phase in the regional arms race.
Reports suggest that during the conflict, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) downed six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three Rafale jets, a Su-30MKI, and a MiG-29 Fulcrum — a claim that adds pressure on India to modernize its fleet.
India plans to execute the stealth fighter project through partnerships with private or state-owned firms. Bids will be open to both sectors, with the government encouraging private sector involvement to reduce the reliance on Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which currently manufactures most of India’s military aircraft. The decision follows criticism from Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh over delays in HAL’s delivery of the Tejas light combat aircraft.
HAL, in its defence, blamed engine delivery delays from U.S. manufacturer General Electric, citing global supply chain challenges.
The Indian stealth fighter programme represents a critical push to keep pace with regional rivals. China already possesses fifth-generation fighters, and Pakistan has bolstered its air capabilities by acquiring China’s advanced J-10 aircraft.
