India stands at a critical juncture in its journey to modernize its air force. Given its aging fleet and increasing regional security challenges, the Indian Air Force (IAF) urgently needs to enhance its combat capabilities. India’s air defense readiness is a growing concern, with only 31 combat squadrons—far below the authorized strength of 42. Meanwhile, China’s rapid military expansion has widened the capability gap, emphasizing the need for a strategic response.
India faces a key decision: procuring advanced foreign fighter jets or intensifying indigenous aircraft development. While foreign acquisitions such as the American F-35 and the Russian Su-57 offer immediate technological superiority, they come with high costs, logistical challenges, and limited technology transfer. On the other hand, India’s indigenous fighter development programs, including the TEJAS MK-1A, TEJAS MK-2, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), aim to provide long-term self-reliance but face delays and funding constraints.
Background of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a premier Indian public sector aerospace and defense company headquartered in Bengaluru. Established on 23 December 1940, HAL is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defense manufacturers globally. The company specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing, maintaining, and overhauling aircraft, helicopters, engines, and related systems for military and civil applications.
Divisions of HAL
HAL operates through a vast network of divisions and research centers across India, categorized under various complexes:
Bangalore Complex includes divisions such as aircraft, helicopters, engines, and industrial and marine gas turbines.
MiG Complex. Comprises divisions like Nasik (Aircraft Manufacturing and Overhaul) and Koraput (Engine Division).
Accessories Complex. This complex encompasses Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Kanpur divisions, focusing on manufacturing aircraft accessories and avionics.
Design Complex. It consists of research and development centers dedicated to the design of aircraft and helicopters.
HAL has 20 production divisions, 10 R&D centers, and one facility management division nationwide. The Indian private sector should purchase these divisions to improve manufacturing and R&D efficiencies. This strategic move will enable private industry to drive innovation, reduce production delays, and enhance overall competitiveness. The Government of India should provide transitional support to ensure a smooth transfer of technology, infrastructure, and expertise while maintaining a strong regulatory framework to safeguard national security interests.
Track Record of HAL
Product Development. HAL has produced 17 types of aircraft from in-house R&D and 14 types under license. Notable indigenous products include the HF-24 Marut fighter bomber, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, and the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter.
Collaborations. The company has a long history of collaborations with international aerospace entities such as Airbus, Boeing, Sukhoi Aviation Corporation, and Israel Aircraft Industries, which enhances its technological capabilities and global presence.
Financial Performance. For over four decades, HAL has maintained a strong financial track record, consistently achieved profitability, and paid dividends to its stakeholders. In the financial year ending 31 March 2024, HAL recorded its highest-ever revenue from operations, exceeding ₹29,810 crore, marking an 11% growth compared to the previous year.
Order Book. As of 31 March 2024, HAL’s order book position improved to approximately ₹94,000 crore, providing high revenue visibility in the medium to long term and indicating HAL’s strong competitive and strategic position.
HAL’s extensive experience, diversified operations, and consistent financial performance underscore its pivotal role in India’s aerospace and defense sectors.
Lessons from Israel and China in Fighter Jet Development
Israel’s development of the Kfir fighter jet
Due to geopolitical constraints in the late 1960s, Israel faced significant challenges in modernizing its air force. The French arms embargo of 1967 halted the supply of Mirage 5 aircraft that Israel had ordered. In response, Israel embarked on an ambitious project to develop an indigenous fighter jet, creating the IAI Kfir.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) developed the Kfir as a multirole combat aircraft. It was based on the French Dassault Mirage 5 airframe but enhanced with the General Electric J79 turbojet engine, the same engine used in the American F-4 Phantom II. This modification required significant airframe adjustments, including enlarging the air intake and reinforcing the fuselage.
The Kfir made its maiden flight in 1973 and entered service with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in 1975. It demonstrated versatility and robustness primarily for ground-attack roles, contributing to Israel’s air superiority. While later superseded by advanced U.S.-supplied aircraft like the F-15 and F-16, the Kfir was exported to several countries and used by the U.S. Navy as an adversary trainer.
China’s Advancement with Sixth-Generation Fighter Aircraft
China has made significant strides in military aviation, culminating in the developing of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft. On 26 December 2024, China conducted the maiden flight of its new stealth fighter jet, unofficially designated as the J-36. The aircraft features a tailless design with a diamond-shaped wing configuration, indicative of advanced stealth capabilities.
The J-36 is expected to incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, enhanced sensor fusion, and potential hypersonic capabilities. These advancements position the J-36 as a formidable asset in modern aerial warfare. While claims of achieving speeds up to Mach 16 remain unverified, China’s progress in hypersonic technology indicates its ambitions for next-generation air dominance.
Challenges in Indian Air Force Modernization
Shortfall in Combat Squadrons
- The IAF operates with only 31 combat squadrons against the sanctioned 42.
- China acquired 435 fighter and ground attack aircraft in the last decade, while India lost 151 aircraft in the same period.
- This numerical gap threatens India’s ability to maintain aerial superiority in a two-front conflict scenario.
Dependency on Foreign Fighter Jets
India is evaluating foreign aircraft like the American F-35 and Russian Su-57, but these options come with challenges.
F-35: The high cost ($80 million per unit), lack of co-production rights, and logistical challenges in integrating with India’s diverse fleet.
Su-57: Reliability concerns, production issues, and geopolitical risks.
The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to acquire 114 foreign jets through technology transfer, has been delayed since 2019.
While Rafale jets remain a strong contender, reliance on foreign aircraft undermines India’s long-term strategic autonomy. However, the Rafale, currently in the IAF inventory, serves as a vital stopgap to bridge the gap until indigenous projects like the TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA are operationally ready.
Emerging threats from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), such as upgrading their fleets with advanced Chinese fighter jets, further compound India’s challenges. The induction of the J-10C and other modern platforms in neighboring air forces necessitates a rapid and strategic response from the IAF to maintain regional air superiority.
Conclusion
India’s journey toward air force modernization is riddled with challenges, including a shortfall in fighter squadrons, delays in indigenous aircraft development, and dependency on foreign technology. While foreign fighter acquisitions offer short-term relief, they do not align with India’s long-term strategic goal of self-reliance.
By implementing a well-structured strategy, India can strengthen its air force capabilities, reduce foreign dependence, and emerge as a global defense manufacturing hub. The path ahead requires a bold commitment to innovation, investment, and structural reforms—an imperative for securing the nation’s skies in the coming decades.