India is poised to achieve self-reliance in fighter jet manufacturing within the next few years, according to Padma Shri awardee Kota Harinarayana, the former chief designer and programme director of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas project. Harinarayana, a veteran aviation scientist and former DRDO professor, stated that a robust ecosystem for aircraft production has already taken shape in the country, enabling India to move toward complete independence in fighter jet development.
Summary Table: India’s Advancements in Fighter Jet Manufacturing
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Vision | Self-reliance in fighter jet production within a few years |
| Leading Expert | Kota Harinarayana, Ex-Chief Designer of LCA Tejas |
| Notable Indigenous Success | LCA Tejas fighter jets deployed by the Indian Air Force |
| Future Plans | Production of all jet types, including exports to friendly nations |
| Technological Expansion | Development of UAVs and small-to-medium aircraft |
| Recent Milestone | Successful trial of ‘Bhargavastra’ anti-drone system in Odisha |
| Global Dependency Shift | Reducing reliance on imports from Russia, France, and other countries |
Indigenous Fighter Jet Ecosystem Strengthening Rapidly
Speaking at a recent convocation event, Harinarayana emphasized that India’s technological capabilities in the aerospace sector have grown significantly over the past few decades. “The manufacturing infrastructure and design expertise required to produce indigenous aircraft have now matured. India is not only building Light Combat Aircraft but is also preparing to manufacture fighter jets across all categories to meet the strategic needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF),” he noted.
He added that the advancements achieved during the Tejas programme have served as a foundation for the development of small-, medium-, and unmanned aircraft, all of which are now part of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Fighter Jet Self-Reliance and Future Exports
Highlighting the country’s evolving defence production landscape, Harinarayana confidently stated,
“I believe that within a few years, India will not only manufacture all the fighter jets required by our armed forces but will also begin exporting them to friendly nations.”
This vision aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming a net exporter of defence products, a sector where the country currently imports key systems from nations such as Russia and France.
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LCA Tejas: A Symbol of Indigenous Defence Success
Harinarayana praised the increasing deployment of the LCA Tejas by the Indian Air Force, calling it a testament to the success of Indian defence engineering. “The way Tejas is being used by the IAF showcases the reliability and effectiveness of indigenously developed platforms,” he said.
He also recalled India’s swift and decisive actions during ‘Operation Sindoor’, where Indian forces effectively responded to terror threats in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to him, the operation highlighted the country’s ability to conduct advanced defence missions using locally made technology, marking what he described as the first phase of India’s defence self-reliance journey.
Success with Indigenous Technologies Like Bhargavastra
In addition to fighter jets, India is also achieving milestones in other defence technologies. Harinarayana appreciated the successful trial of ‘Bhargavastra’, a cost-effective, indigenous anti-drone system, recently tested in Gopalpur, Odisha. The system is expected to enhance India’s capabilities in neutralizing emerging aerial threats.
Also read : Pakistan Hails Role of Chinese Jets in Responding to India Strikes: A Strategic Shift in South Asia?
Conclusion
India is on a transformative journey toward becoming self-reliant in fighter jet manufacturing, backed by visionary leadership, technological innovation, and a rapidly evolving defence ecosystem. The foundation laid by the Tejas programme, combined with ongoing advancements in unmanned systems and anti-drone technologies like Bhargavastra, signal a future where India not only meets its own defence needs but also becomes a key exporter of sophisticated military hardware.
This shift marks a significant moment in India’s defence history—ushering in an era of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in aerospace and beyond.
