Amid China and Pakistan’s challenges, India is advancing its fifth-generation fighter program with a focus on self-reliance.
India’s fifth-generation fighter jet to be developed by the company
India has made significant progress in developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet for the Indian Air Force. This is a response to China and Pakistan’s growing military progress. China has developed two fifth-generation fighter jets, J-20 and J-35, which are actively used by the military and have also been provided to Pakistan. After the United States, China is the only country with two such advanced jets, which increases pressure on India to strengthen its defense capabilities.
In order to reduce dependence on foreign fighter jets, India focuses on indigenous aircraft manufacturing. A major milestone in this work was the successful introduction of Tejas fighter jets into the Indian Air Force. Government-owned companies Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) have also developed an upgraded version of Tejas-Mk1a. The aircraft is considered a 4.5 multi-generation jet with improved functionality and functionality.
The Indian Air Force has ordered 83 Tejas-Mk1a jets from HAL. The jets will be powered by engines from US company General Electric (GE). HAL has placed orders for 99 GE engines and has delivered the first batch. This suggests that the Tejas-Mk1a jet will be handed over to the Air Force soon.
At the same time, India has also made its own fifth-generation fighter under the Advanced Medium Fighter (AMCA) program. The goal is to develop an advanced level 5 or above aircraft by 2030. To speed up this ambitious project, the Indian government is participating in private sector companies.
In addition, India is developing its own engines for these advanced fighters. The Gas Turbine Research Institute (GTRE) led the effort with the participation of Godrej Aerospace. Godrej Aerospace has previously worked at the Kaveri Engine Project and has contributed to various military R&D programs.
Godrej Aerospace Vice President Manek Behramkamdin said the company has the expertise needed for this important technology and manufacturing challenge.
The Godrej family is well-known for its contributions to multiple industries in India and has been in operation for more than 125 years. Founded by Ardeshir Godrej in 1897, Godrej Group operates in a variety of fields including real estate, consumer products, industrial engineering, safety and agriculture. Currently, the organization is led by Adi Godrej and Nadir Godrej, with an estimated family wealth of $20 billion.
With the combination of government, military and private sector collaboration, India is rapidly moving towards self-reliance in fighter production, aiming to match global defense technology leaders.
