NEW DELHI: China’s recent display of two new-generation stealth fighter jets, which sent shock waves around the globe at the country’s astonishing pace of military modernisation, found mention in the IAF chief‘s remarks on Tuesday, which saw him stress the need for India to strongly push for self-reliance in defence R&D and production along with greater private sector participation even though it will involve much higher costs.
“The world today is in a precarious position dominated by conflicts and contests. We have our own security concerns on the western and northern borders with increased militarisation by China and Pakistan,” Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said at the annual Subroto Mukherjee seminar here.
“China is investing heavily in its air force the recent unveiling of its new stealth aircraft is a case in point,” he added, while also expressing frustration at the extremely slow pace of delivery of the indigenous Tejas fighter. On Dec 26, China conducted the maiden flights of what are probably two new 6th-generation fighters at Chengdu. Videos of the tailless, stealthy advanced combat aircraft cruising at low altitudes shocked even the US, which is yet to finalise its own 6th-generation fighter project. China already has 5th-generation fighters in the Chengdu J-20 jets, which it has also deployed at its airfields facing India like Hotan and Shigatse, as reported earlier by TOI.
India is still far away from producing even a 5th-generation fighter, with the PM-headed cabinet committee on security clearing the development of the swing-role advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), at an initial cost of over Rs 15,000 crore, only in March last year. As per projected timelines, the first AMCA prototype will make its maiden flight in four to five years, with production and induction beginning only after 2035. At present, India is struggling to produce the 4th-generation Tejas Mark-1A fighters because of the continuing delay in supply of GE-F404 turbofan jet engines by US major General Electric. Down to 30 fighter squadrons when it is authorised 42.5 to tackle challenges from China and Pakistan, IAF wants to induct at least 180 Tejas Mark-1A and 108 Mark-2 jets in the run-up to the AMCA.
The IAF chief said, “R&D loses its relevance in case it is not able to meet time-lines. Technology delayed is technology denied. There has to be an increased aptitude for acceptance of risks involved and failures in R&D.” He added, “Atmanirbharta will come at a cost and we should accept it. We may have to spend more and buy at a higher rate if required – amortising of the R&D part and limited numbers will push the cost up – but will give the much needed self-reliance.”
