NEW DELHI: China’s recently unveiled two new-generation stealth fighter jets, which shocked the world at the country’s astonishing pace of military modernization, were mentioned in the IAF chief’s remarks on Tuesday. , he emphasized the need for India to take the following steps: Increase private sector participation and strongly promote independence in defense research, development and production, even at much higher costs.
“The world today is in a precarious position, dominated by conflict and disputes. We have our own security concerns regarding our western and northern borders due to increasing militarization by China and Pakistan.” Air Chief Marshal AP Singh made the remarks at the annual Subroto Mukherjee Seminar here.
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“China is investing heavily in its air force, and the recently announced new stealth aircraft is a good example of this,” he added, while also complaining about the extremely slow pace of deliveries of indigenous Tejas fighter jets. did. On December 26, China conducted the maiden flight of two likely new sixth-generation fighter jets in Chengdu. The footage of a stealth, advanced fighter jet without a tail cruising at low altitude shocked even the United States, which has yet to complete its own sixth-generation fighter project. As TOI reported earlier, China has already inducted fifth-generation fighters into its Chengdu J-20 fleet and has also deployed them to airfields facing India, including Hotan and Shigatse.
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India is still a long way from even producing a fifth-generation fighter jet, with the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Committee on Security only approving the development of a swing-roll Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at an initial cost of more than Rs 15,000 crore. In March of last year. According to the expected timeline, the first AMCA prototype will make its first flight within four to five years, with production and induction beginning in 2035 or later. Currently, India is struggling to produce the fourth generation Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet. Delay in supply of US major General Electric’s turbofan jet engine “GE-F404”. Once empowered to deal with challenges from China and Pakistan, the fighter squadron would be reduced to 30 and the IAF would have at least 180 Tejas Mark 1A and 108 Mark 2 jets in the run-up to AMCA. I’m thinking of introducing it.
The IAF Director-General stated, “Research and development loses its meaning if it does not proceed as planned. Delaying technology is tantamount to denying technology. We need to increase our ability to accept the risks and failures associated with research and development.” . He further added, “Atmanirbharta has a cost and we should accept it. If necessary, we may have to spend more and buy at a higher rate. Amortization of R&D portion. “Although the cost will increase due to the limited quantity and quantity, it will bring many benefits,” he added. I needed independence. ”
