Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft Plans are Under Review at Aero India 2025
Featured Image: This is the first when SU-57 of Russia and the F-35 of America are seen in one frame. This image was captured at the Aero India 2025.
India’s defence production is poised for significant advancement. The Light Combat Plane (LCA) Tejas programme is stabilizing. Discussions are continuing on acquiring fifth-generation fighter plane (FGFA). Speaking ahead of Aero India 2025, Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar spoke about the LCA Tejas. He confirmed that deliveries from HAL’s Nasik plant will commence by March 2025. By 2026, production is expected to be streamlined to meet schedule, ensuring the supply of 16-24 plane per year.
LCA Production on Track, Engine Supply Key Focus
Kumar emphasized that the production line, including the critical supply of General Electric engines, has now stabilized. The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the U.S. to speed up deliveries of GE engines, which had earlier caused delays. “We are working with our American partners to confirm the supply of engines is streamlined by 2025-26,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. accelerate the process. His expected discussions with President Donald Trump guarantee that the LCA Tejas Mk1A program remains on track. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively engaging with the Defence Ministry to evaluate future options for fleet expansion.
Fifth-Generation Fighter Plane, India Keeping Options Open
On the FGFA front, Kumar reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Advanced Medium Combat Plane (AMCA) project. Yet, he did not rule out acquiring foreign fighters. India is considering both the Russian Su-57 and American F-35. They were showcased at Aero India. This is part of India’s broader strategy to modernize its air force. The IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, recently flew a sortie in the twin-seater LCA Tejas with Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan praised this event. He considered it a testament to the armed forces’ confidence in the platform.
Aero India 2025, India’s Biggest-Ever Defence Expo
Aero India 2025 is the 15th edition of Asia’s premier airshow. It is set to be the largest ever, covering 42,000 square meters. The event will feature 931 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the participation of over 90 countries. Thirty Defence Ministers, Air Chiefs, and Secretaries from 43 nations attended.
Singh announced that India’s domestic defence production has already crossed ₹1.27 lakh crore and is expected to surpass ₹1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26. Defence exports have also reached a record ₹21,000 crore, with projections to exceed ₹30,000 crore in the next two years.
High-Level Conclaves and Global Engagement
The Defence Ministers’ Conclave on February 11, themed ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE)’, will concentrate on strengthening global supply chains. It will also focus on developing strategic defence partnerships. Additionally, the CEO’s Roundtable on February 10 is themed ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement (EDGE)’. It will host more than 100 global defence manufacturers. This includes 55 participants from 19 countries.
India is positioning itself as a major player in global defence production and exports. Aero India 2025 is set to showcase the country’s growing capabilities. It will also highlight India’s ambitions in the aerospace sector.
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