Reuters: India approves framework for 5th-generation stealth jet

India has approved a key framework for the development of its most advanced stealth fighter jet, the country’s defence ministry announced on May 27.

The move comes amid rising regional tensions and a growing arms competition with Pakistan, just weeks after a brief but intense military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

According to the ministry, the project will be spearheaded by the state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which will soon invite expressions of interest from defence firms for building a prototype of the aircraft, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

The proposed design features a twin-engine configuration and aims to meet fifth-generation fighter jet standards, incorporating stealth and advanced avionics capabilities.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), which relies heavily on aircraft of Russian and Soviet origin, currently operates 31 squadrons — well below the sanctioned strength of 42. This shortfall has become more pressing as China continues to expand its own air capabilities at a rapid pace. Pakistan, meanwhile, has already inducted the J-10, one of China’s most advanced fighter jets, into its fleet.

Earlier this month, Indian and Pakistani forces engaged in four days of armed clashes involving fighter aircraft, drones, missiles, and artillery before a ceasefire was brokered by US President Donald Trump. It was the first time both sides deployed drones at scale, reflecting a shift in regional military dynamics and triggering what analysts describe as a new drone arms race. This assessment is based on interviews by Reuters with 15 sources, including defence officials, analysts, and industry executives from both countries.

The defence ministry stated that the stealth fighter program will be carried out in partnership with an Indian firm, with bids open to both private and state-owned companies. Firms may submit proposals either independently or through joint ventures. This approach follows recommendations made in March by a defence procurement committee, which advocated greater involvement of the private sector in military aircraft manufacturing to boost capacity and reduce dependency on Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the state-owned aerospace giant that currently produces most of India’s defence aircraft.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has previously voiced concerns about delays in the delivery of HAL’s Tejas aircraft, a 4.5-generation light combat jet. HAL attributed the delays to supply chain issues affecting engine deliveries from General Electric in the United States.

By Tamilla Hasanova