India is focusing on short-term technology transfer to accelerate its fifth-generation fighter jet plans, according to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. In an interview with CNN-News18, Singh confirmed the country’s push to quickly enhance its air power amid concerns over the Indian Air Force's reduced operational strength.
“In the short term, we are looking at transfer of technology in the fifth-generation fighter jets,” Singh said, highlighting the urgency to build advanced capabilities. He also stressed the need to treat engine development as a “national mission” to reduce import dependence. “In engine development, we would need to make it a national mission so that we can build up our own engine,” he added.
Singh’s remarks come at a time when the IAF has just 31 active fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned strength of 42. The shortage has raised concerns over India’s preparedness in the face of a potential two-front threat.
Also Read: India’s "unofficial offering" of S400-evading cruise missile to Greece shakes Turkey
Contenders for India’s fifth-generation fighter requirement
Meanwhile, India is currently evaluating multiple options for its next-generation fighter jet. Leading contenders are India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the American Lockheed Martin F-35 and the Russian Sukhoi Su-57.
The F-35 is a single-engine stealth multirole aircraft with a 13.3-tonne empty weight and 29.5-tonne maximum take-off weight. It is equipped with advanced sensor fusion, electronic warfare systems, and network-centric operations. The F-35A variant is priced around $82 million, not including long-term sustainment and maintenance costs, which are relatively high.
The Su-57 is a twin-engine stealth fighter with multirole capabilities. It weighs 18 tonnes empty and can take off at up to 35 tonnes. The aircraft is known for its high manoeuvrability and supercruise performance, although it features limited stealth. Its unit cost is estimated at $35–45 million, with added expenses for spares and infrastructure. The Su-57 is seen as more open to joint development and technology sharing.
Read Also: Pakistan Navy in crisis after Op Sindoor: Weak surveillance, failure to track threats, and low morale cripple naval operations
India’s engine push gains global traction
Apart from buying fighter jet from overseas, India also plans to develop an indigenous engine for AMCA has drawn attention from leading aerospace firms.
Earlier, UK-based Rolls-Royce proposed a 120kN thrust engine co-development plan that includes full technology transfer, local manufacturing, and Indian ownership of the Intellectual Property Rights. The engine is designed to support stealth, supercruise, and AI-enabled predictive maintenance. Rolls-Royce is also looking to increase sourcing from India for both local and global needs.
French firm Safran also offered to co-develop and produce engines for the Tejas MkII and AMCA platforms. Safran already operates a joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for engine components.
Japan also formally proposed its IHI XF9-1 engine for co-development. Built for stealth fighters, the XF9-1 demonstrated 110kN thrust in 2018 which may be upgraded to 196kN. The engine is considered suitable for India’s planned 5.5-generation AMCA and future sixth-generation aircraft.
India’s strategic path ahead
The final decision will depend on how well the proposals align with India’s strategic needs, long-term industrial goals, and operational requirements. As the IAF pushes for modernisation amid regional tensions, the integration of fifth-generation fighters and homegrown engines could mark a shift in India’s defence capabilities.
“In the short term, we are looking at transfer of technology in the fifth-generation fighter jets,” Singh said, highlighting the urgency to build advanced capabilities. He also stressed the need to treat engine development as a “national mission” to reduce import dependence. “In engine development, we would need to make it a national mission so that we can build up our own engine,” he added.
Singh’s remarks come at a time when the IAF has just 31 active fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned strength of 42. The shortage has raised concerns over India’s preparedness in the face of a potential two-front threat.
Also Read: India’s "unofficial offering" of S400-evading cruise missile to Greece shakes Turkey
Contenders for India’s fifth-generation fighter requirement
Meanwhile, India is currently evaluating multiple options for its next-generation fighter jet. Leading contenders are India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the American Lockheed Martin F-35 and the Russian Sukhoi Su-57.
The F-35 is a single-engine stealth multirole aircraft with a 13.3-tonne empty weight and 29.5-tonne maximum take-off weight. It is equipped with advanced sensor fusion, electronic warfare systems, and network-centric operations. The F-35A variant is priced around $82 million, not including long-term sustainment and maintenance costs, which are relatively high.
The Su-57 is a twin-engine stealth fighter with multirole capabilities. It weighs 18 tonnes empty and can take off at up to 35 tonnes. The aircraft is known for its high manoeuvrability and supercruise performance, although it features limited stealth. Its unit cost is estimated at $35–45 million, with added expenses for spares and infrastructure. The Su-57 is seen as more open to joint development and technology sharing.
Read Also: Pakistan Navy in crisis after Op Sindoor: Weak surveillance, failure to track threats, and low morale cripple naval operations
India’s engine push gains global traction
Apart from buying fighter jet from overseas, India also plans to develop an indigenous engine for AMCA has drawn attention from leading aerospace firms.
Earlier, UK-based Rolls-Royce proposed a 120kN thrust engine co-development plan that includes full technology transfer, local manufacturing, and Indian ownership of the Intellectual Property Rights. The engine is designed to support stealth, supercruise, and AI-enabled predictive maintenance. Rolls-Royce is also looking to increase sourcing from India for both local and global needs.
French firm Safran also offered to co-develop and produce engines for the Tejas MkII and AMCA platforms. Safran already operates a joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for engine components.
Japan also formally proposed its IHI XF9-1 engine for co-development. Built for stealth fighters, the XF9-1 demonstrated 110kN thrust in 2018 which may be upgraded to 196kN. The engine is considered suitable for India’s planned 5.5-generation AMCA and future sixth-generation aircraft.
India’s strategic path ahead
The final decision will depend on how well the proposals align with India’s strategic needs, long-term industrial goals, and operational requirements. As the IAF pushes for modernisation amid regional tensions, the integration of fifth-generation fighters and homegrown engines could mark a shift in India’s defence capabilities.
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