According to Kota Harinarayana, the former program director and chief designer of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS, India is about to become self-sufficient in the production of fighter jets.
Harinarayana claims that with notable developments in domestic production technology, India has effectively established a strong ecosystem for the manufacture of airplanes. This development puts India in a position to manufacture a variety of fighter jets in different classes to satisfy the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the next years.
The IAF’s expanded deployment and operational use of TEJAS aircraft highlights the value and dependability of fighter jets made in the country. Harinarayana emphasized that the development of small, medium, and unmanned aircraft has made use of the technological capabilities showcased in the TEJAS program.
He was certain that India would soon stop relying on imports from nations like France and Russia and start exporting fighter jets to friendly countries in addition to meeting its own defense needs.
Indian defense devices, such the low-cost counter-drone system ‘Bhargavastra,’ have recently been successfully tested. This demonstrates the country’s increasing defense industry creativity and ability. The caliber and efficacy of these domestic defense goods are responsible for the country’s capacity to properly respond to external threats, as demonstrated following Operation Sindoor.
The government’s aggressive goals for defense exports and manufacturing also demonstrate its drive for independence. While a breakthrough order is still pending, attempts are being made to obtain export agreements for the TEJAS jet with nations including Malaysia, Argentina, Egypt, and Botswana. India’s defense exports have increased significantly in recent years.
India is poised to become self-sufficient in fighter jet manufacturing in the near future and hopes to become a major exporter of defense products thanks to a developing aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, tested domestic platforms like TEJAS, and a strategic focus on exports.
