India Must Expand Beyond HAL to Compete in Fighter Jet Race Against China: Defence Experts

India’s ambitions to establish a cutting-edge fighter jet fleet capable of countering China’s fast-evolving air power are hitting a major roadblock: an over-reliance on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

HAL, the country’s premier aerospace and defence manufacturer, has been at the forefront of India’s indigenous aircraft production, delivering flagship projects like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Despite its critical role, defence analysts believe that HAL alone cannot meet the challenges of competing with China’s rapidly modernizing air fleet.

Overburdened HAL and the Need for Expansion

HAL is currently tasked with multiple high-stakes projects, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), and various helicopter programs. While its expertise is undisputed, HAL’s limited manpower and resources have led to delays and stretched development timelines. Modern fighter jet programs, with their steep technological and engineering demands, require much faster execution cycles to remain competitive in the global arms race.

Defence experts argue that India needs at least two or three additional aerospace giants to share the burden. Creating a diversified ecosystem would not only distribute workload but also encourage competition and innovation in the defence sector.

The Chinese Challenge

China’s aviation industry, led by companies like Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, has produced advanced fighter jets like the J-20 stealth fighter and is already working on sixth-generation aircraft. These developments underscore the urgent need for India to accelerate its own projects.

India’s Tejas Mk1, though a significant achievement, has faced criticism for its delayed production and initial operational issues. With programs like the AMCA and TEDBF in the pipeline, the stakes are higher than ever. Analysts emphasize that depending solely on HAL to deliver these ambitious projects could leave India trailing far behind its strategic rival.

Benefits of a Multi-Company Approach

A diversified aerospace industry could allow specialized companies to focus on critical technologies. For instance:

• Stealth and Radar-Evasion Technology: One entity could concentrate on designing next-generation stealth capabilities for aircraft like the AMCA.
• Avionics and Sensor Systems: Another could develop advanced avionics, radar systems, and electronic warfare equipment.
• Propulsion Systems: A third could work exclusively on developing indigenous jet engines, a domain where India currently relies heavily on foreign suppliers like GE.

This distributed approach would not only mitigate risks associated with delays in a single company but also enable faster innovation through competition. Collaboration among these entities on shared platforms would further streamline development processes.

The Role of the Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plays a crucial role in the success of indigenous fighter jet programs. Analysts highlight the importance of firm commitments from the IAF for new aircraft. Hesitation in placing large orders, as witnessed during the early stages of the Tejas Mk1 program, hampers progress and undermines confidence in domestic manufacturing capabilities. A robust procurement strategy for AMCA and TEDBF would provide much-needed impetus to the aerospace industry.

Challenges and Solutions

Building new aerospace companies will require substantial government investment and policy support. Training a skilled workforce of engineers, technicians, and scientists is another critical challenge. Additionally, clear collaboration frameworks must be established to prevent resource duplication and inefficiency.

Despite these hurdles, defence experts agree that the long-term benefits outweigh the risks. A diversified aerospace base would strengthen India’s self-reliance, enhance its strategic capabilities, and position the country as a formidable player in global military aviation.

Conclusion

India’s quest to build a modern and competitive fighter jet fleet demands more than the efforts of HAL alone. By fostering a network of specialized aerospace companies, India can address the challenges of over-reliance, accelerate innovation, and ensure its air force remains a dominant force in the region. Expanding the defence industrial base is not just a strategic necessity but also a pathway to achieving true self-reliance in military aviation.