Indigenous Initiatives: Make in India Air Power
Amidst shortages, India is banking on domestic programs to reshape its airpower. The Make in India mantra drives projects like Tejas, AMCA, and helicopter programs. Key points:
LCA Tejas: Now in production at HAL’s Bengaluru and Nashik plants, Tejas has become the only combat jet truly built in India. The Mk1A variant (with AESA radar and upgraded systems) is meant to be the workhorse. HAL recently reorganized production (new assembly lines) to meet the 16–24 jets/year target. Tejas Mk2 (Medium Weight Fighter) is the bridge to 5th-gen, blending 4.5 gen tech (GE F414 engine, canards). Over 200 Tejas (Mk1/Mk1A/Mk2) could enter service through the 2030s if industry and funding hold up.
AMCA: Already mentioned, India’s first stealth fighter program is fully conceived domestically. The May 2025 cabinet decision involved private players (Tata, L&T) alongside DRDO/ADA. AMCA’s high indigenous content (>80%) aims to eventually project India into the fifth gen club. But it’s a long game; successful prototype and production lines won’t materialize until the 2030s.
Other aircraft: India has also developed the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH “Prachand”) and the basic trainer Kiran-II, and is working on the Naval LCA and unmanned systems. HAL and private firms (Tata, Mahindra, L&T) are increasingly involved, especially after the Empowerment Committee reforms. For example, private firms now supply key Tejas components (rear fuselages, etc.) to relieve HAL.
These projects embody India’s desire for self reliance in defense. However, the tempo must increase to stem the squadron decline. Experts note that while technology can partly offset fewer aircraft, sheer numbers still matter especially against large adversary forces. Until Tejas Mk1A/Mk2 and AMCA start filling cockpits, India’s indigenous jets remain promising future contributions, not instant fixes.
