Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Sets Course For IAF Revival With TEJAS, AMCA And Combat Expansion

India’s new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, has identified rebuilding the Indian Air Force’s fighter strength, accelerating indigenous combat aircraft development and deepening integration with the Army and Navy as the central pillars of his leadership agenda.

A day after taking over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit unveiled his strategic vision under the acronym VAYU, representing Vigilance and operational readiness, Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance), Yukti (Tactical Innovation) and Unity of effort.

The framework is intended to guide the IAF as it adapts to emerging security challenges and rapidly evolving military technologies.

The Air Chief Marshal stated that strengthening indigenous capability would remain a top priority, placing the TEJAS MK-1A, TEJAS MK-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at the forefront of the service’s modernisation plans. He also highlighted the importance of developing and fielding Indian-made sensors and weapons systems as part of a broader push towards defence self-reliance.

“The TEJAS MK-1A, TEJAS MK-2, the AMCA, Indian sensors and Indian weapons are our highest priority. We will fight with Indian solutions, and we will hold them in numbers that meet our operational demands. Our responsibility is to fight and win, but most importantly it is to deter conflict through credible air power,” he said.

His remarks come as the Ministry of Defence moves ahead with major procurement and development efforts. The government has already signed two separate agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the acquisition of 180 TEJAS MK-1A fighter aircraft valued at more than ₹1.10 lakh crore, while work continues on the TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA projects through the Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL.

Alongside indigenous capability development, Dixit described the restoration of the IAF’s combat strength as a “foremost task”. The Air Force currently operates around 30 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, a shortfall that has persisted as older aircraft have been retired faster than replacements have entered service.

He warned that India’s security environment remains demanding, while the nature of warfare is being transformed by drones, long-range precision weapons, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, space-based systems and the electromagnetic spectrum. According to Dixit, the Air Force must remain prepared to fight and win even as it undergoes a broader transformation to meet the requirements of the next decade.

Explaining the first pillar of his VAYU doctrine, he said, “V is for Vigilance and readiness. Every squadron, every radar, every air defence unit along with each and every air warrior must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice.”

Under Atmanirbharta, he emphasised the continued induction of domestically developed aircraft, weapons and technology. On Yukti, he pointed to innovation across doctrine, procedures and advanced technologies, including networked and AI-enabled command-and-control systems, layered counter-drone capabilities, responsive maintenance structures, force protection measures, resilience initiatives and the use of near-space as an operational domain.

Discussing Unity of effort, Dixit underscored the importance of closer cooperation between the armed services and national agencies. “In step with the vision of JAI, Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation, we will plan and fight as one along with our Army, our Navy and our national agencies. Air power delivers most when it is integrated from the very first plan,” he said.

The new Air Chief also stressed the welfare of serving personnel, Agniveers (Vayu), civilian employees, veterans, Veer Naris and their families. He said that training, professional excellence, morale, safety, welfare and dignity would receive his personal attention throughout his tenure.

Addressing the nation, Dixit said: “To the fellow citizens of my motherland, please trust that your Air Force is vigilant, ready and resolute.” He added that the service’s commitment was “to remain ready, to keep transforming and to deliver whenever the nation calls”.

Dixit paid tribute to his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, crediting him with maintaining the force in a high state of readiness and noting that the IAF had demonstrated what “precise and decisive” air power could achieve during Operation Sindoor.

Before formally taking command, the new Chief of the Air Staff laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in honour of fallen service personnel. Accompanied by family members, he sought the blessings of his mother, Nirmala Dixit, and mother-in-law, Kamla Pandey, before the ceremonial proceedings.

In a symbolic gesture reflecting his support for environmentally conscious initiatives, Air Chief Marshal Dixit arrived at the parade ground in an electric vehicle, underscoring the growing emphasis on sustainable practices within the armed forces while preparing the IAF for the technological challenges of the future.

PTI

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Three Private Bidders Vie For India’s AMCA Stealth Fighter Prototype Contract

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) effort has entered a crucial stage after three private-sector contenders submitted bids to develop the prototypes of the country’s future stealth fighter, moving forward a government-funded project valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore.

The proposals have been submitted to the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the organisation responsible for managing the AMCA development effort. The competition now advances into a key procurement phase, with the government set to evaluate the submissions before selecting a development partner for prototype construction.

The three competing groups are TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL); a consortium led by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL); and a Bharat Forge-led consortium that includes Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). Final bid documentation and subsequent government announcements will formally define the participating companies and their respective responsibilities.

The winning bidder will collaborate with ADA, which functions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to develop and manufacture five AMCA prototypes. The prototype development effort is expected to be carried out at a new aerospace facility being established at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, where aircraft assembly, integration and testing activities are planned.

The competition represents a notable shift in India’s military aviation development framework. Instead of automatically assigning the prototype phase to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the government has opened the process to competitive bidding from private industry.

ADA will continue to retain responsibility for the aircraft’s design and technological development, while the selected industrial partner will support execution and prototype construction.

The approach is intended to broaden participation from India’s private aerospace sector and strengthen domestic industrial capabilities in advanced combat aircraft manufacturing. Defence analysts view the move as an important milestone in India’s efforts to expand private-sector involvement in strategically significant aerospace projects.

AMCA is being developed as a twin-engine, fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The fighter is planned to incorporate low-observable characteristics, internal weapons bays, advanced sensor suites and network-centric combat capabilities. The aircraft is also expected to feature sophisticated sensor fusion and next-generation avionics designed for operations in highly contested environments.

The initial production variant is expected to be powered by General Electric F414 engines. A later version is planned to receive a more powerful engine developed through an international partnership, reflecting India’s long-term ambition to enhance indigenous propulsion capabilities. However, the aircraft remains under development, and these specifications should be regarded as developmental objectives rather than operationally proven capabilities.

The immediate challenge for the program is converting the existing design into flying test aircraft and validating all major systems through an extensive campaign of ground and flight trials. Developing a modern combat aircraft requires complex coordination across airframe manufacturing, propulsion, avionics, mission systems, software integration, weapons integration and flight-test infrastructure.

Prototype construction represents only one phase of a much larger development journey. The aircraft will need to undergo extensive testing, certification and performance evaluation before any decision can be taken regarding full-scale production and operational induction.

The bidding process follows the Ministry of Defence issuing a Request for Proposal to the three shortlisted groups in May 2026. The next stages will include technical and commercial assessments, selection of a preferred bidder and eventual contract finalisation.

According to reports, the government is targeting the first AMCA prototype flight during 2028-29, although broader industry projections have also referenced prototype flights in the early 2030s. Regardless of the timeline ultimately adopted, progress will depend on successful contractor selection, development performance and the outcome of flight-testing activities.

The Indian Air Force is expected to view the AMCA as a cornerstone of its future combat aviation capability, with the aircraft intended to strengthen India’s long-term air-power requirements while reducing dependence on foreign fighter platforms.

For the participating companies, the contract offers a rare opportunity to establish advanced aerospace manufacturing expertise and secure a role in one of India’s most ambitious military aviation projects. For the government, the priority will be maintaining oversight, managing technological risk and ensuring that development schedules remain achievable.

Ultimately, the success of the AMCA effort will depend not only on which bidder secures the prototype contract, but also on whether the partnership between industry, ADA and DRDO can successfully deliver a flyable aircraft and guide it through the demanding testing and maturation process required before service entry.

Agencies

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Su-57 Outguns F-22 And F-35 In Combat, New Claim Says

Russia's fifth-generation Su-57 fighter has reportedly outperformed its Western counterparts, including the US-built F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, in combat engagement experience, according to an assessment published by Military Watch Magazine (MWM).

The publication stated that the Su-57's development benefited significantly from the Soviet aviation industry's accumulated expertise, particularly knowledge gained through next-generation MiG fighter development efforts during the 1990s.

Although the aircraft's design roots stretch back decades, large-scale production of the Su-57 only commenced nearly 20 years after those early development programmes.

According to MWM, the aircraft has achieved substantial progress in recent years. The publication stated: "The Su-57 program has made significant progress: production scale has expanded considerably, enabling exports, and its use in the Ukrainian battlefield has far surpassed any other fighter aircraft of the same generation."

The Su-57 Felon has played a growing role during Russia's military operations involving Ukraine. The aircraft has reportedly been employed for precision strikes against ground targets, suppression of enemy air defence systems, and the interception of airborne threats.

Russian authorities have repeatedly indicated that operational lessons gathered during combat missions are being incorporated directly into the fighter's ongoing evolution, allowing the platform to be refined while remaining in active service.

Reflecting this approach, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) recently announced the delivery of a new batch of Su-57 multirole fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces.

According to UAC, the latest aircraft have been produced to an updated technical configuration and include modifications derived from practical combat experience accumulated during operations.

Company officials stated that the newly delivered aircraft differ substantially from examples produced during the earlier stages of Russia's military campaign.

One of the most significant enhancements reportedly involves an expanded mission profile, alongside the integration of new air-launched weapons. However, UAC has not disclosed the specific weapons, systems, or munitions incorporated into the latest production batch.

The corporation has likewise refrained from revealing whether changes have been made to onboard sensors, avionics, electronic warfare suites, communications equipment, software architecture, or structural elements of the aircraft.

Published information suggests that Russia is pursuing modernisation and serial production simultaneously. Rather than waiting for a future upgrade package, operational feedback is being fed directly into manufacturing and aircraft configuration changes.

This process is intended to reduce the time between gathering combat experience, refining designs, conducting testing, and introducing new capabilities into frontline service.

The combat record accumulated by the Su-57 has become a central element of Russia's promotion of the aircraft. Supporters of the programme argue that it remains the only fifth-generation fighter to have gained extensive operational experience in an active conflict environment, while Moscow continues to increase production and pursue potential export opportunities.

The article also referenced an assessment published by the American outlet National Interest, which argued that the F-16 fighters currently operated by Ukraine do not possess the capabilities required to effectively challenge the Su-57 in combat.

The latest developments indicate that Russia is continuing to refine its flagship stealth fighter through a combination of operational deployment, ongoing production, and incremental upgrades, with combat experience serving as a key driver of future enhancements.

Agencies

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Three Private-Sector Contenders Submit Bids For ₹15,000 Crore AMCA Prototype Development Contract

India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program has reached a major milestone, with three private-sector contenders formally submitting bids for the ₹15,000 crore prototype development contract overseen by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

The competition centres on the selection of a Development-cum-Production Partner (DCPP), which will be responsible for building five AMCA prototypes and a structural test specimen based on designs developed by ADA, a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory.

The three bidders comprise an L&T-led consortium including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Dynamatic Technologies, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) as an independent bidder, and a Bharat Forge-led consortium partnered with BEML and Data Patterns.

All bids were submitted before the deadline and will now undergo scrutiny by a high-level review committee constituted by the Ministry of Defence. The first stage will involve verification of bid submissions and supporting documentation, followed by an extensive technical evaluation process that is expected to continue until the end of the year. Price negotiations are expected to follow thereafter.

The winning entity will play a pivotal role in the development of India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, which is designed to incorporate advanced stealth characteristics, internal weapons bays, supercruise capability, sophisticated sensor fusion and artificial intelligence-enabled avionics.

The successful bidder will also be required to establish a manufacturing ecosystem near Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, where the AMCA core integration and flight-testing complex is being developed. This facility is expected to become the focal point for prototype integration, testing and future flight-development activities.

The tender deadline had previously been extended from 27 August to 30 October after participating companies sought additional time to complete formalities associated with the highly complex fighter aircraft development effort. The AMCA initiative marks the first occasion on which private-sector companies are competing to lead the development and manufacture of an indigenous fighter aircraft prototype in India.

Among the contenders, TASL brings experience through its ongoing collaboration with Airbus in the manufacture of C295 tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The remaining bidders have established credentials within the aerospace supply chain, although they have not previously assembled a complete aircraft platform.

The current competition emerged after the Ministry of Defence shortlisted three finalists from an original field of seven participants following a technical assessment process. The selected partner will work closely with ADA to transform the AMCA design into flying prototypes capable of supporting the aircraft’s rigorous development and certification campaign.

The project is widely viewed as a landmark shift in India’s defence-industrial strategy. Traditionally, fighter aircraft manufacturing has been dominated by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The AMCA prototype contract is set to open a new chapter by bringing private industry into the forefront of advanced combat aircraft development.

The AMCA is expected to become a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s future combat fleet and is intended to provide a domestically developed fifth-generation capability while strengthening India’s long-term aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.

The prototype development phase is regarded as a critical step towards eventual serial production and induction in the coming decade.

According to industry sources, “They will verify the submission of bids and all bid documents on Saturday. Technical evaluation should take till December-end.”

The opening of bids now marks the beginning of one of the most closely watched defence procurement and aerospace development competitions in India’s history.

Agencies

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$800 Million Before the First Engine: GE’s F414 India Bill Sparks Cost Debate

GE Aerospace’s reported request for around $800 million (approximately ₹7,600 crore) to establish a dedicated F414 engine manufacturing and assembly line in India is increasingly being viewed by defence analysts as a strategic long-term investment rather than an excessive expenditure.

The proposal forms a key part of India’s efforts to strengthen its domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities while reducing dependence on overseas supply chains for critical military hardware.

Supporters of the plan argue that the estimated $800 million outlay represents only a small fraction of the overall lifecycle expenditure associated with India's future combat aircraft programs. Some assessments place the figure at roughly 10 per cent of the broader program cost when spread across the hundreds of engines expected to be required over coming decades.

The F414 engine has been selected to power several of India’s most important next-generation combat aircraft projects. These include the TEJAS MK-2 medium-weight fighter, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) intended for naval operations, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s planned fifth-generation stealth fighter.

While public attention has focused on the headline $800 million figure, industry observers suggest that the real negotiations centre on two far more significant issues.

The first is the unit cost of each F414 engine produced in India. Concerns have emerged over reports that projected engine prices have risen substantially from earlier estimates of around ₹70-80 crore per unit to figures exceeding ₹200 crore. Such increases have fuelled debate over the long-term affordability of the arrangement.

The second, and arguably most important, issue is the scope of Technology Transfer (ToT). Indian policymakers and defence planners are seeking meaningful access to advanced manufacturing know-how, including greater indigenous content, access to sensitive hot-section technologies, and broader intellectual property rights. The objective is to avoid creating a simple assembly operation and instead build genuine domestic capability in advanced aero-engine production.

Analysts note that aero-engine technology remains one of the most closely guarded areas of aerospace engineering globally. As a result, the extent of technology sharing is widely regarded as the deciding factor in the overall value of the agreement.

The debate has also highlighted alternative engine suppliers. European manufacturers, including France’s Safran and the United Kingdom’s Rolls-Royce, are frequently cited as potential competitors capable of offering different industrial partnership models or technology-sharing arrangements.

Supporters of the GE proposal maintain that local production would provide India with greater supply-chain security, reduce vulnerability to overseas delivery delays, and support the operational readiness of future fighter fleets. Establishing an indigenous production ecosystem could also generate valuable expertise for future engine development programs.

At the same time, the discussion has renewed attention on India's indigenous propulsion ambitions, particularly the long-running Kaveri engine project. Many observers argue that lessons learned from international partnerships and technology transfers could ultimately contribute to advancing home-grown engine development efforts.

Ultimately, defence commentators suggest that the debate is not primarily about whether the $800 million manufacturing line is expensive. Instead, the central question is whether India can secure favourable engine pricing and a sufficiently deep level of Technology Transfer to justify the investment and strengthen its long-term aerospace independence.

Agencies

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F414 Engine Deliveries Remain Crucial To TEJAS MK-2 And AMCA Timelines

India’s future combat aviation roadmap remains closely tied to the availability of the GE F414-INS6 engine, a powerplant in the 98 kN thrust class that has been integrated into the design architecture of the TEJAS MK-2 and the first batch of AMCA fighters.

Because these aircraft have been engineered around the engine’s dimensions, intake requirements, and weight characteristics, any attempt to replace it at this stage would necessitate extensive redesign work, additional flight-testing, software modifications, and structural revalidation. Recent reporting indicates that such changes could significantly disrupt already ambitious induction schedules.

For the TEJAS MK-2, progress has already moved beyond the concept stage. Six F414 prototype engines are understood to be available to support development activities, while the broader production arrangement remains linked to the conclusion of commercial negotiations between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE Aerospace.

Current expectations envisage the first India-manufactured F414 engine emerging around 2029, creating a domestic production base that would support the fighter as it moves through flight-testing and towards operational service. Reports also indicate that approximately 99 engines are planned for manufacture in India under the proposed agreement.

The importance of the F414 extends beyond TEJAS MK-2. The AMCA MK-1, India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, is intended to rely on the same engine for its initial production batches. The first two to four squadrons, estimated at roughly 60 to 70 aircraft, are expected to use the F414 as an interim solution while a more powerful next-generation engine is developed for later variants. Maintaining access to F414 production is therefore considered essential if AMCA flight-test objectives and early operational milestones are to remain on schedule.

However, the program has encountered growing commercial difficulties. Several reports state that engine pricing has risen sharply during negotiations, with estimates increasing from roughly ₹70-80 crore per engine to more than ₹200 crore per unit.

In addition, GE is reportedly seeking substantial investment for a dedicated manufacturing and assembly line in India. These developments have raised concerns regarding affordability, long-term procurement plans, and the overall economics of the project.

Against this backdrop, France’s Safran and the United Kingdom’s Rolls-Royce have emerged as alternative partners for India’s long-term fighter-engine ambitions. Rather than offering a localised version of an existing engine, both companies are proposing participation in the development of an entirely new high-thrust engine in the 110-130 kN class, tailored for the demanding requirements of future AMCA variants. Such an engine would support enhanced stealth performance, supercruise capability, and the carriage of heavier weapon loads.

A key distinction between the European proposals and the American arrangement lies in intellectual property ownership and technology access. The GE package is centred on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing of the F414, but core intellectual property remains subject to United States controls.

By contrast, both Safran and Rolls-Royce have promoted proposals involving extensive technology transfer and varying forms of sovereign or shared intellectual property ownership intended to strengthen India’s long-term self-reliance in aero-engine technology.

Safran’s offer builds on its experience with the M88 engine that powers the Rafale. The French company has proposed co-development with India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), while also highlighting opportunities to leverage existing industrial relationships and maintenance infrastructure.

Rolls-Royce has taken a more ambitious route, proposing a clean-sheet engine design and offering support for an indigenous aerospace gas-turbine ecosystem in India. The British firm has suggested advanced technologies, including adaptive or variable-cycle concepts, aimed at supporting future combat-aircraft requirements.

In terms of timing, neither European proposal is positioned to replace the F414 in the near term. Developing an all-new combat engine would require years of design, testing, certification, and production preparation.

As a result, the F414 remains the only immediately available solution capable of supporting TEJAS MK-2 development and powering the first AMCA MK-1 aircraft. The European engines are instead viewed as potential successors for later AMCA variants and as a pathway towards greater technological sovereignty.

The central challenge facing India is therefore not a simple choice between suppliers. The country needs the GE F414 today to prevent delays to TEJAS MK-2 and the initial AMCA fleet, while simultaneously pursuing a long-term engine partnership that can deliver higher thrust levels, deeper technology access, and greater national control over critical propulsion technologies.

Balancing these short-term operational requirements with long-term strategic autonomy has become one of the most consequential decisions in India’s military aviation sector.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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US Will Never Share Niche Technology: Former IAF Deputy Chief Questions India's Fighter Jet Engine Reliance

India's efforts to secure greater access to advanced American technologies have once again come under scrutiny following the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the expanding strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington, WION reported.

At the centre of the discussion is India's ambition to acquire deeper technological cooperation in critical sectors such as fighter aircraft engines, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other advanced technologies that are increasingly shaping modern military capabilities.

The debate has gained further momentum under the India-US TRUST initiative, unveiled in February 2025, which seeks to strengthen strategic technology cooperation between the two countries.

While the initiative has been presented as a major step forward, questions persist over the extent to which the United States is prepared to transfer high-end technologies that remain vital to its national security and industrial advantage.

Speaking to WION's Defence Pulse, retired Air Vice Marshal Sunil Jayant Nanodkar, former Assistant Chief of Air Staff, expressed scepticism about expectations surrounding American technology transfers.

According to Nanodkar, India's experience with fighter engine procurement highlights the risks of relying extensively on overseas suppliers for critical defence programs.

He pointed to the delays affecting deliveries of General Electric's F404 engines, which have had a direct impact on the TEJAS MK-1A fighter program. The aircraft is a key element of the Indian Air Force's modernisation plans, but production schedules have been disrupted by slower-than-expected engine supplies.

Nanodkar argued that criticism directed at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited often overlooks the reality that aircraft production is heavily dependent on the timely arrival of foreign-made engines.

"We keep blaming HAL for everything," he said, stressing that the company cannot fulfil production commitments when crucial components continue to arrive from overseas suppliers at a slower pace than required.

Although deliveries of the GE-F404 engine have resumed, he noted that the supply rate remains below what is needed to fully support production plans. The retired Air Marshal also highlighted the importance of finalising the long-discussed agreement to manufacture the more powerful GE F414 engine in India.

The F414 is expected to power the upcoming TEJAS MK-2 fighter and the initial variants of India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), making the project a critical component of the country's future combat aviation roadmap.

The engine manufacturing arrangement has long been viewed as one of the most significant defence-industrial collaborations between India and the United States because it could expand India's domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities while supporting future fighter aircraft programs.

Despite such cooperation, Nanodkar remained unconvinced that Washington would share its most closely guarded technologies.

Asked whether the United States would transfer its most sensitive military technologies to India, he offered a blunt assessment.

"The plain and simple answer is no. They will never part with niche technology to India," he said.

He warned that announcements regarding defence cooperation should be evaluated based on actual technology transfers, manufacturing rights and the level of indigenous capability created rather than political declarations alone.

"No country is going to share niche technology with you. You have to develop it yourself," he added.

His remarks reflect a broader reality within the global aerospace sector. Advanced fighter jet engines remain among the most complex technologies ever developed, with only a handful of nations possessing the expertise to independently design, manufacture and sustain them.

For decades, India has sought to join that select group through indigenous propulsion efforts, most notably the Kaveri engine project. While the program has encountered significant technical challenges, it continues to symbolise India's long-term aspiration for self-reliance in military aviation.

Nanodkar argued that sustained investment in domestic research and development, backed by selective international collaboration, offers the only reliable path towards genuine technological independence.

His assessment underscores a growing belief within sections of India's strategic community that foreign partnerships may help bridge capability gaps, but the ultimate responsibility for mastering critical technologies, particularly fighter aircraft engines, rests with India itself.

Agencies

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FIRST LOOK: Inside AMCA’s Next-Generation Cockpit: The Digital Nerve Centre of India’s Future Stealth Fighter

The newly surfaced Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) cockpit design offers one of the clearest indications yet of how India intends to equip its first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter with a highly digital, pilot-centric operating environment.

The design shown in the image reveals a modern glass cockpit architecture focused on reducing pilot workload while improving situational awareness during complex combat operations.

The cockpit appears to be centred around a large panoramic display arrangement rather than a collection of smaller, conventional instruments. This approach reflects contemporary fighter aircraft design trends, where critical flight, navigation, sensor and weapons information is consolidated into a single, easily configurable digital interface.

Visible elements within the proposed cockpit layout suggest a wide-area display concept similar to those increasingly adopted in advanced combat aircraft programs worldwide. Such a configuration allows pilots to tailor information presentation according to mission requirements, placing the most important data within immediate view.

The design also incorporates a side-stick controller arrangement. This configuration is intended to provide more ergonomic aircraft handling while freeing additional space within the cockpit. Side-stick controls have become increasingly common in modern fighter aircraft due to their ability to support high-performance manoeuvring while reducing pilot fatigue.

The cockpit appears to follow a Hands-On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) philosophy, enabling pilots to manage essential flight and combat functions without removing their hands from the primary controls. This arrangement is particularly valuable during high-intensity air combat, where rapid decision-making and minimal distraction are crucial.

The layout visible in the design renders indicates an emphasis on clean ergonomics and simplified pilot interaction. Numerous traditional gauges and mechanical switches appear to have been replaced by integrated digital interfaces, reflecting the broader shift towards software-driven avionics architectures.

Industry reports indicate that the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has pursued significant cockpit commonality between the AMCA, the TEJAS MK-2 and the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) programs. This strategy is expected to reduce development costs, simplify maintenance requirements and accelerate pilot conversion training across multiple aircraft types.

According to program-related information, the common cockpit architecture is expected to feature a large 20 x 8-inch panoramic wide-area display, providing a unified presentation of flight, sensor and mission information. The display is intended to replace numerous conventional instruments and support touch-enabled interaction.

The proposed cockpit architecture is also expected to support advanced sensor fusion. In practical terms, information collected from radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, infrared sensors, datalinks and other onboard systems can be combined into a single coherent tactical picture. This reduces the burden on pilots, who would otherwise need to mentally correlate information from multiple independent sources.

Another key objective of the AMCA cockpit is improved situational awareness. Instead of presenting raw sensor data separately, the aircraft is expected to process and prioritise information automatically, allowing pilots to focus on operational decision-making rather than data management.

Reports associated with future AMCA avionics development also suggest the incorporation of an indigenous Large Area Display solution featuring advanced processing power, extensive redundancy and AI-assisted decision-support functions. These technologies are intended to assist pilots by prioritising threats, managing information flow and supporting mission execution during demanding combat scenarios.

The cockpit is expected to be fully compatible with advanced helmet-mounted systems and a wide-angle head-up display, ensuring that essential combat information remains available even when pilots are not looking directly at the main display. Such integration is increasingly regarded as a defining feature of next-generation combat aircraft.

The strong emphasis on display integration, digital controls and software-based functionality aligns with the broader design philosophy of fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Rather than simply serving as a control station, the cockpit effectively becomes an information and mission-management centre capable of supporting network-centric warfare operations.

The design shown in the image also demonstrates attention to maintainability and future growth. Open-architecture avionics systems would permit software upgrades, sensor enhancements and capability expansions over the aircraft's operational life without extensive physical redesign.

As the AMCA program progresses towards prototype development and eventual flight testing, the cockpit is expected to remain one of its most technologically significant features. The combination of panoramic displays, sensor fusion, HOTAS controls, advanced automation and indigenous avionics technologies is intended to provide Indian Air Force pilots with a modern combat environment comparable to those found in leading contemporary stealth fighter programs.

Overall, the proposed AMCA cockpit represents a decisive move away from traditional fighter aircraft instrumentation towards a highly integrated digital battlespace interface. It is designed not merely to display information, but to transform vast quantities of battlefield data into actionable intelligence, allowing pilots to exploit the full capabilities of India's future stealth combat aircraft.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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India’s 120 kN Engine Backup Could Redefine TEJAS MK-2 If The F-414 Deal Stalls

India’s fighter ambitions have long been judged by the aircraft on the runway. Yet the more consequential contest is happening inside the engine bay.

The TEJAS MK-2 is designed to fly on the General Electric F414-INS6, a 98 kN-class engine that represents a major leap over the F404 powering earlier TEJAS variants. But the agreement to make that engine in India remains unfinished. And that uncertainty has forced India to develop something more ambitious: a 120 kN indigenous fighter engine.

A senior Defence Research and Development Organisation official has said the indigenous 120 kilonewton-class engine, proposed for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, could also power the TEJAS MK-2.

That includes possible use in future mid-life upgrades of the fighter. In other words, the TEJAS MK-2 may not be permanently tied to an imported powerplant.

The central issue is not whether India can buy engines. It can. The issue is whether India can design, build, test, upgrade and sustain them without external permission.

A fighter aircraft can be purchased from another country. A modern military jet engine almost never is.

It is widely regarded as the single hardest technology in aviation. It combines extreme heat, enormous rotational stress, precision metallurgy, advanced cooling, digital control and years of validated testing. No supplier fully transfers that capability. Even generous industrial partnerships usually stop short of complete design authority and intellectual property.

This is why the engine matters more than the airframe. Master it, and India is never again told what it may or may not fly. The proposed F414 arrangement between General Electric Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been under negotiation for more than three years.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding in June 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington. That agreement envisaged the potential co-production of F414 engines in India for the TEJAS MK-2.

The United States completed the required congressional notification process in late August 2023, clearing the way for detailed technical and commercial discussions.

India’s Ministry of Defence has sought the transfer of about 80 per cent of the relevant technology. General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are still working to convert that requirement into a workable agreement.

The difficulty is not simply the quantity of technology transferred. It is the quality and depth of that transfer.

Manufacturing know-how, assembly methods and overhaul capability are valuable. But they are not the same as access to an engine’s core intellectual property. Nor are they the same as design authority, the ability to modify the engine, or the freedom to upgrade it independently in future.

India wants more than the ability to assemble a foreign engine. It wants the industrial and technical foundation to control its own fighter-engine future.

The F414 is central to more than one Indian platform.

It is intended to power the TEJAS MK-2, the heavier and more capable successor to the TEJAS MK-1A now in service with the Indian Air Force.

It is also the planned interim powerplant for the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

Separate but related discussions cover an initial requirement of around 14 to 15 engines for AMCA prototypes and limited-series production aircraft.

The Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter is another future naval combat aircraft whose engine requirements are being pursued separately. There is reportedly no single agreement covering the TEJAS MK-2, AMCA and TEDBF engine needs.

That fragmentation adds risk. It also underlines why India needs a common, sovereign high-thrust engine base. If the F414 co-production agreement goes through, it would provide a reliable route to serial production.

It would also give Hindustan Aeronautics Limited experience in manufacturing, assembly, testing and support of a modern high-performance fighter engine. Reports indicate that technical discussions between General Electric and HAL have made substantial progress.

The proposed program involves the local manufacture of 99 F414 engines in the first tranche. India’s Air Force is expected to require between 120 and 130 TEJAS MK-2 fighters. The F414 would therefore remain the practical near-term solution for the aircraft’s initial production and operational introduction.

But India is not waiting passively for that outcome.

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment, part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, has moved to strengthen India’s native engine industry.

It has issued an Expression of Interest to identify an Indian industrial partner for an Indigenous Advanced High Thrust Class Aero Engine.

The document seeks a Development-cum-Production Partner capable of handling aero-engine integration and precision manufacturing.

The submission deadline was March 26, with bids scheduled to be opened the following day. The initiative is a deliberate effort to create a domestic industrial base for high-thrust fighter engines. It is not merely a research exercise. It is an attempt to build the manufacturing ecosystem required to produce engines at scale.

The DRDO official has made clear that a contingency plan is already being developed. If the agreement for local production of the F414 does not proceed, General Electric-supplied engines would still be used for TEJAS MK-2 prototypes.

They could also power the first production batches of the aircraft.

This ensures that the TEJAS MK-2 program is not held hostage to a single unresolved negotiation. The aircraft’s design also permits a later switch to the indigenous 120 kN-class engine once it becomes available.

That change could be aligned with a mid-life upgrade.

Such a replacement would give the TEJAS MK-2 a further boost in performance during its service life. A 120 kN engine would provide substantially more thrust than the F414. That additional power could improve acceleration, payload carriage, energy retention in combat and growth potential for future variants.

It could also reduce dependence on imported engines across India’s fighter fleet.

The indigenous engine is being developed primarily for the AMCA, India’s planned fifth-generation stealth fighter. But its potential use in the TEJAS MK-2 transforms its strategic importance. It would no longer be only the powerplant for a future stealth aircraft. It would become a national backup option for India’s broader fighter-engine requirements.

That backup is intended to protect India against stalled negotiations, supply disruptions and shifts in the geopolitical environment.

The lesson from decades of Indian aerospace development is clear. India can design capable aircraft. The harder challenge has been providing them with engines designed, produced and controlled at home. The Kaveri engine program demonstrated both the difficulty and the necessity of this effort.

Despite years of development, the Kaveri did not reach the performance and reliability standards required to power the Tejas in operational service. But it gave India invaluable experience in engine design, testing, materials and systems integration. The new 120 kN program represents a more mature and better-resourced attempt to close that gap.

It also comes at a time when India has greater industrial capacity, deeper private-sector participation and stronger international partnerships.

The coming months may prove decisive.

The selection of GTRE’s Indian development-cum-production partner will progress alongside continuing talks between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

If the F414 deal is finalised, it will serve as a crucial stepping stone to serial production and industrial learning. If it fails, the domestically developed 120 kN engine is being positioned as a future replacement rather than a distant aspiration.

Either way, India’s objective remains the same.

It wants an air force whose combat power is not dependent on another country’s export approvals, pricing decisions or strategic calculations. The TEJAS MK-2 may be the aircraft that carries India’s next-generation air combat capability.

But the 120 kN engine could be the technology that gives India lasting control over it. By achieving self-reliance in this critical domain, a country ensures complete operational independence, breaking free from foreign restrictions and permanently securing the autonomy of its defence fleet.

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Russia Dangles 100-Plus Su-57E Stealth Jets, With Local Production And Extensive Technology Transfer Package

Russia has intensified its efforts to secure India as a partner for the export version of its fifth-generation Su-57E stealth fighter, presenting a wide-ranging proposal that extends beyond a conventional aircraft sale and into long-term industrial collaboration. The offer has featured several force structure options in different rounds of discussions, ranging from smaller flyaway batches to potential acquisitions involving well over 100 aircraft.

A central element of Moscow's proposal is the local assembly and manufacture of around 100 Su-57E fighters in India. Russian officials have suggested leveraging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Nashik production facilities, which already possess extensive experience with the licensed manufacture and support of the Su-30MKI fleet.

The proposal is designed to take advantage of existing aerospace infrastructure, supply chains and technical expertise established through decades of Indo-Russian combat aircraft cooperation, potentially reducing industrial transition costs and accelerating production timelines.

Russia has also reportedly offered an unusually high level of technology transfer. This includes access to source codes associated with onboard systems and mission software, an area that is typically subject to strict restrictions in advanced fighter aircraft exports.

Such access could provide India with significantly greater autonomy over future upgrades, maintenance activities and mission-system modifications, while reducing dependence on external approval for major capability enhancements.

The package would also permit the integration of Indian-developed systems and weapons. This reportedly includes the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile family, Rudram anti-radiation missiles and other indigenous precision-guided weapons.

The proposal further envisages the incorporation of Indian sensors and future Gallium Nitride-based Active Electronically Scanned Array radars, allowing the aircraft to be tailored to specific Indian Air Force operational requirements.

In parallel with local manufacturing discussions, Russia has floated the possibility of delivering smaller batches of fully built aircraft directly from production lines. These proposals have varied from an initial eight aircraft to larger flyaway purchases of roughly 20 to 40 fighters.

Such deliveries are being presented as a bridge capability that could provide the Indian Air Force with an interim fifth-generation combat aircraft while domestic programmes continue to mature.

The offer comes at a time when regional airpower competition is becoming increasingly focused on stealth capabilities, with China continuing to expand its inventory of fifth-generation fighters and neighbouring air forces seeking access to more advanced platforms.

Despite the breadth of the Russian package, New Delhi has shown little enthusiasm for making an immediate large-scale commitment to the Su-57E program. Indian decision-makers remain focused on sustaining and modernising existing combat aircraft fleets while carefully balancing operational requirements with long-term industrial priorities.

A major component of that strategy is the ongoing Super Sukhoi initiative, which aims to equip the Su-30MKI fleet with advanced avionics, sensors, weapons and electronic warfare systems to extend its operational relevance for decades.

India is also pursuing additional Rafale acquisitions to strengthen frontline combat capability and address fighter squadron shortages in the near term.

At the same time, the government's primary long-term objective remains the successful development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, India's indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter project.

Officials view the AMCA as a cornerstone of future aerospace self-reliance, making them cautious about entering arrangements that could potentially divert financial, industrial or technological resources away from the domestic program.

As a result, while Russia's proposal offers extensive technology transfer, local manufacturing opportunities and rapid access to a fifth-generation platform, India's current preference appears to remain centred on a combination of fleet modernisation, selective foreign procurement and accelerated indigenous development rather than a major commitment to the Su-57E.

India was previously involved in the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft project based on the Su-57 platform before withdrawing over concerns related to cost, capability requirements and technology-sharing arrangements. The renewed Russian proposal seeks to address many of those earlier concerns through broader industrial participation, localisation and deeper technology access.

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F-35, Russia And India: Weighing Advanced Capability Against Strategic Autonomy

The arrival of six American F-35A Lightning-II fighters at Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 has reignited debate over India's future fifth-generation fighter requirements, highlighted Colonel Danvir Singh (Retd) on DD India news channel.

However, despite growing speculation surrounding the aircraft, the Indian Air Force Chief clarified on 10 October 2026 that the United States has not made any formal offer to sell the F-35 to India. As a result, discussion of the aircraft remains a strategic assessment rather than an active procurement process.

The F-35 is widely regarded as one of the most advanced combat aircraft in service today. Its combination of low observable characteristics, sensor fusion, electronic warfare capabilities and network-centric operations provides a level of battlefield awareness unmatched by most fourth-generation fighters currently in operation.

For India, however, the debate extends far beyond aircraft performance. Any potential acquisition would require careful consideration of its impact on long-established defence relationships, indigenous aerospace ambitions and broader strategic autonomy.

One of the most significant considerations involves the growing network of India-US defence agreements, including LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA. These arrangements have improved military interoperability, logistics cooperation and access to secure communications and geospatial intelligence. 

A platform such as the F-35 could potentially benefit from this expanding defence relationship, but it would also deepen India's dependence on American operational ecosystems.

Another major factor is India's longstanding military partnership with Russia. A substantial portion of India's defence inventory continues to be of Russian origin, including frontline combat aircraft, air defence systems and armoured platforms. Russian equipment remains deeply embedded throughout India's military structure, creating questions about compatibility and long-term procurement priorities.

The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, commonly known as CAATSA, adds another layer of complexity. While India has thus far avoided sanctions over its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system, future defence acquisitions involving both American and Russian strategic platforms could generate continued political and regulatory scrutiny.

The S-400 issue is particularly significant because the United States has repeatedly expressed concerns about operating the F-35 alongside Russian-made air defence systems. American officials have long argued that advanced Russian radars could potentially collect valuable electronic and signature data related to stealth aircraft operations. Similar concerns previously contributed to Turkey's removal from the F-35 program following its acquisition of the S-400 system.

Although the participation of F-35 aircraft in Tarang Shakti 2026 demonstrated that American stealth fighters can operate in India, it did not resolve questions regarding long-term co-location, interoperability or data security between the aircraft and Russian-origin systems.

Reports also indicated that access to the aircraft remained tightly controlled, reflecting the highly classified nature of F-35 technologies.

Technology access represents another critical challenge. Acquiring an advanced fighter does not automatically provide unrestricted access to its most sensitive software, mission systems or source codes.

The United States protects key F-35 technologies under strict security protocols, and operational users generally remain dependent upon approved upgrade pathways and manufacturer support structures.

This raises important questions for India regarding sovereign control over future modifications, integration of indigenous weapons and adaptation of mission systems to national operational requirements. New Delhi has consistently sought greater technology transfer and domestic industrial participation in major defence acquisitions, making technology access a central issue in any evaluation.

Lifecycle support would also be a major consideration. The F-35 relies on a highly sophisticated global sustainment architecture involving software updates, maintenance infrastructure, spare parts networks and continuous capability enhancements. While these arrangements ensure aircraft effectiveness, they can simultaneously create long-term dependence upon the original supplier.

Such dependence may sit uneasily alongside India's pursuit of strategic autonomy, a principle that has shaped defence planning for decades. Policymakers would need to determine whether the operational advantages gained through F-35 acquisition justify the constraints associated with external support, upgrades and sustainment.

The debate is further influenced by India's ongoing indigenous fighter development efforts. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft remains central to India's ambition of building a domestic fifth-generation combat aviation capability.

While the AMCA is expected to take years before operational induction, it represents a long-term pathway towards reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthening domestic aerospace expertise.

At the same time, regional security developments continue to intensify pressure on future force planning. China's growing inventory of advanced combat aircraft and reports surrounding potential fifth-generation fighter capabilities within Pakistan have heightened interest in maintaining a technological edge across the region.

The fundamental issue is therefore not whether the F-35 is a highly capable aircraft. Few defence analysts dispute its sophisticated stealth, sensing and electronic warfare capabilities. Instead, the real question is whether India can acquire such advanced foreign technology while retaining full freedom to operate, maintain, upgrade and employ its military capabilities according to its own national security priorities.

Ultimately, any discussion of the F-35 is not merely about purchasing a fighter aircraft. It is about balancing cutting-edge capability against strategic independence, managing relations with both Washington and Moscow, safeguarding sovereign decision-making and ensuring that India's long-term defence modernisation objectives remain firmly under national control.

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India’s Fighter Crunch: Is The IAF Running Out of Time?

India is facing an increasingly complex air-power dilemma, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) under mounting pressure to restore its combat strength while simultaneously preparing for the future character of aerial warfare, writes Nikhil Gokhale of Bharat Shakti.

At the centre of the challenge is a growing gap between the IAF’s current fighter inventory and its authorised force structure. The service presently operates roughly 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned requirement of 42. This disparity comes at a time when India must plan for the possibility of simultaneous military pressure from both China and Pakistan.

The issue extends far beyond numerical shortages. A reduced fighter fleet directly affects operational flexibility, the ability to sustain prolonged air campaigns, force readiness, combat persistence and the capacity to absorb wartime attrition. In any extended conflict, insufficient squadron strength could place significant strain on operational planning and force deployment.

The strategic environment surrounding India has become increasingly demanding. China continues to modernise its air arm at a rapid pace, fielding advanced stealth aircraft such as the Chengdu J-20 while progressing with the J-35 programme. These developments are steadily enhancing Beijing’s ability to project air power across the region and challenge rival air forces.

Adding to India’s concerns are reports suggesting that advanced Chinese stealth-fighter technology could eventually find its way into Pakistan’s inventory. Should such transfers materialise, the air-power balance in South Asia could face a significant shift, further complicating India’s security calculations.

The debate over how India should respond has intensified. One option involves acquiring a foreign fifth-generation fighter aircraft to bridge the emerging capability gap. The two most discussed platforms are the American F-35 Lightning-II and the Russian Su-57 Felon.

However, the decision is not merely a comparison of aircraft performance or stealth characteristics. Any procurement choice would carry major implications for technology access, logistics, maintenance, long-term support and geopolitical alignment.

An American platform could strengthen interoperability with Western partners and deepen defence ties with Washington. Yet such a move would also require careful consideration of technology-transfer conditions, operational restrictions and compatibility issues with existing systems.

Conversely, a Russian option would fit more naturally within India’s large inventory of Russian-origin equipment and decades-old defence relationship with Moscow. Nevertheless, concerns regarding production rates, support infrastructure, sanctions-related complications and future technological growth would inevitably influence the calculation.

India’s existing military architecture further complicates the matter. The country continues to operate substantial numbers of Russian-origin combat aircraft while also deploying the S-400 air-defence system. At the same time, defence cooperation with the United States has expanded considerably over the past decade through joint exercises, logistics agreements and technology partnerships.

This unique strategic position means that any major fighter acquisition has consequences extending well beyond military capability. The choice would inevitably be viewed through a broader diplomatic, industrial and geopolitical lens.

Many defence planners argue that India’s long-term solution lies in indigenous development rather than dependence on foreign suppliers. This is where the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program becomes increasingly important.

The AMCA is envisioned as India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter and represents an effort to achieve greater technological sovereignty in a domain traditionally dominated by a handful of aerospace powers. The project reflects India’s ambition to reduce external dependence and establish a stronger domestic aerospace ecosystem.

Despite its promise, timeline concerns persist. Even under optimistic projections, the development, testing, certification and serial production of a fifth-generation combat aircraft remain exceptionally demanding undertakings.

One of the most difficult aspects of the endeavour is engine development. Designing and producing a modern fighter engine is widely regarded as among the most challenging achievements in aerospace engineering.

India’s previous experience with the Kaveri engine program highlighted the scale of these challenges. Although important lessons were learned, the project underscored how difficult it is to achieve reliable high-performance engine technology without extensive industrial and technological foundations.

As a result, India continues to rely heavily on imported powerplants for many of its frontline aircraft programs. This dependence remains a critical vulnerability for long-term aerospace self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, the IAF’s shrinking squadron strength continues to raise concerns about acquisition timelines and programme execution. Delays in fighter induction have compounded the impact of retiring ageing aircraft fleets.

Particular attention has focused on the pace of TEJAS MK-1A deliveries. The aircraft is expected to play a central role in rebuilding squadron numbers, replacing older platforms and providing the IAF with a modern indigenous combat aircraft in significant quantities.

Any slippage in production schedules risks widening the gap between aircraft retirements and new inductions. As legacy fighters leave service, the inability to replace them at an equivalent rate could further reduce operational capacity over the coming years.

The challenge is especially significant because several older aircraft types are approaching the end of their service lives. Without a steady flow of replacements, the current shortfall could become even more pronounced before recovery efforts begin to take effect.

The discussion surrounding India’s future air power also increasingly includes unmanned systems. Drones, autonomous platforms and loitering munitions have demonstrated their effectiveness in recent conflicts around the world, altering traditional assumptions about air warfare.

Yet most military analysts caution against viewing these systems as direct replacements for conventional fighter aircraft. Instead, they are increasingly regarded as complementary capabilities that can enhance reconnaissance, targeting, suppression of enemy defences and precision-strike operations.

The more relevant question is how unmanned systems can be integrated into a wider networked air-combat architecture. Future air forces are expected to combine manned fighters, drones, sensors, data networks and precision weapons into a unified combat ecosystem capable of operating across multiple domains simultaneously.

For India, this means balancing immediate operational necessities with long-term technological ambitions. The country must strengthen its air-power posture in the near term while avoiding decisions that could undermine its objective of strategic and industrial self-reliance.

The dilemma has become increasingly urgent. Delaying critical decisions risks widening the capability gap at a time when regional competitors are rapidly modernising their air forces. Yet excessive dependence on imported solutions could slow the growth of India’s indigenous aerospace sector.

As the IAF navigates declining squadron strength, ongoing fighter retirements, production delays and the emergence of stealth technology across the region, policymakers face a narrowing window in which to act.

The challenge before India is therefore not simply to acquire more aircraft. It is to determine the right balance between immediate combat readiness, long-term technological autonomy, industrial development and strategic flexibility in an increasingly contested security environment.

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Rolls-Royce Sees India As Key Strategic Partner For Long-Term Growth Ambitions

India has emerged as a central pillar in Rolls-Royce's long-term global growth strategy, with the British engineering group seeking to deepen its contribution to the country's energy security, infrastructure expansion, national security and connectivity.

The company underlined India’s rising strategic importance during a landmark three-day visit that included the first-ever Rolls-Royce Board meeting held in the country. The visit reflected the firm's intent to strengthen partnerships and expand capabilities across multiple sectors.

Chief Executive Officer Tufan Erginbilgic met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Rolls-Royce's long-term plans in India and opportunities to support national priorities in aerospace, defence and energy. The discussions focused on building deeper industrial partnerships and supporting India's broader economic development objectives.

According to Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce aims to play a larger role in supporting India's growth by contributing to energy resilience, infrastructure development, national security and improved connectivity. The company sees significant scope to create long-term value through technology, capability-building and strategic collaboration.

A major element of this ambition is the recently announced strategic intent between Rolls-Royce and Reliance Industries to collaborate on the design, development, manufacture and delivery of an indigenous combat engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

Under the proposal, a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex (AGTC) would be established in India, with the AMCA engine initiative serving as the anchor project. The facility is envisaged as a fully sovereign aero-engine ecosystem covering design, development, manufacturing, testing, production and lifetime support.

Beyond supporting the AMCA effort, the AGTC could help create enduring national capabilities for future military, naval and civil aerospace applications, strengthening India's self-reliance objectives in advanced propulsion technologies.

During the visit, Chair Dame Anita Frew and members of the Board engaged with the company's India leadership and government stakeholders. They also visited the Rolls-Royce Global Capability and Innovation Centre in Bangalore, where teams showcased expertise across engineering, defence, digital technologies, information technology and global business services.

Rolls-Royce stated that its future growth plans in India build on decades of operations in the country, established industrial partnerships, an expanding engineering presence, and a growing manufacturing and supply-chain ecosystem.

Beyond combat aerospace, the company already maintains a significant footprint in India through its civil aviation, defence and power systems businesses. It is actively exploring opportunities aligned with India's Viksit Bharat vision, particularly in defence self-reliance, energy security, industrial development, infrastructure expansion and the continued growth of the country's rapidly expanding civil aviation sector.

PTI

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IAF Chief Jokes With US Commander About F-35 Access, Says ‘They Don’t Let Us Near’ As US Weighs Potential India Pitch

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has publicly highlighted the strict security surrounding the United States' F-35 stealth fighter, remarking that American personnel do not even allow Indian officials close to the aircraft despite recurring discussion about a possible sale to India, NDTV reported.

Speaking during the concluding events of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, Air Chief Marshal Singh shared the stage with General Kevin Schneider, Commander of the US Pacific Air Forces, when questions were raised about a potential F-35 acquisition by India.

Responding to speculation about the aircraft, the IAF chief said that no official American offer for the F-35 had been received by India. He added, in a light-hearted but pointed remark, that US personnel do not even allow Indian representatives near the aircraft while discussions continue about its possible sale.

The comments came after six US Air Force F-35 Lightning-II fighters participated in Exercise Tarang Shakti for the first time on Indian soil. The deployment marked the aircraft's debut in the multinational exercise and provided Indian personnel with a rare opportunity to observe the world's most widely deployed fifth-generation fighter operating in India.

Asked how much access India had been granted to the aircraft, Air Chief Marshal Singh said Indian personnel were not shown the cockpit. However, Indian aircraft were permitted to fly in close formation with the F-35 during exercise activities.

He noted that such restrictions are standard practice when nations seek to protect highly sensitive military technology, particularly advanced stealth, sensor and mission-system capabilities.

General Schneider responded by explaining that access to the F-35 is governed by strict security and classification regulations. He said decisions regarding the sharing of information are controlled through program-level security guidelines that determine what can be shared, when it can be shared and how the aircraft's sensitive technologies are protected.

The discussion comes as India evaluates options for strengthening its future air combat fleet while awaiting the eventual arrival of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA, which remains several years away from operational service.

Air Chief Marshal Singh also confirmed that Russia has offered the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to India. However, he clarified that no decision has yet been taken on whether the aircraft will be formally evaluated or considered for acquisition.

He stated that once the government decides on a course of action, the aircraft would be assessed against Indian Air Force operational requirements.

India's search for future combat aircraft has gained urgency amid rapid modernisation efforts across the region. China continues to expand its inventory of stealth aircraft, including the J-20 and J-35 families, while reports indicate that Pakistan could eventually receive Chinese J-35 fighters, potentially altering the regional air-power balance.

Defence analysts note that any decision involving the F-35 or Su-57 would extend well beyond the aircraft themselves. Factors such as weapons integration, access to technology, maintenance arrangements, logistics support, software control, upgrade pathways and long-term strategic dependence would be central to any procurement decision.

The F-35 remains one of the most closely protected military platforms in service. Designed around low-observable technology, the aircraft combines stealth shaping, specialised coatings and internally carried weapons to reduce its radar signature.

Equally significant is its sensor-fusion architecture, which combines data from radar, electronic warfare equipment and infrared sensors into a single integrated picture for the pilot. This allows faster decision-making and improved situational awareness during combat operations.

For India, the challenge is balancing the immediate requirement for an advanced fifth-generation capability with its long-term objective of developing and producing an indigenous stealth fighter through the AMCA program, thereby strengthening self-reliance in defence aviation while maintaining a credible technological edge.

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