India Will No Longer Rely on Foreign Jets. Indigenous fighter jets like the AMCA and Tejas Mk2 will strengthen the Air Force, enabling it to effectively counter China and Pakistan.
AMCA - Tejas Mk2: India is now focusing entirely on indigenous fighter jets to further strengthen its air force. This move will help India achieve self-reliance and reduce its dependence on foreign countries.
India had previously planned to procure foreign jets like the F-35, Su-57, and F-21 under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, but these plans did not materialize on schedule. Due to these delays, India has decided to prioritize its indigenous AMCA and Tejas Mk2 fighter jets.
AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) will be India's first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, jointly developed by DRDO and HAL. This jet boasts radar-evading capabilities and will offer multi-role capabilities with its supercruise technology, AI-based systems, and advanced weaponry. The first prototype of this jet, capable of performing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surveillance missions simultaneously, is expected by 2026.
Meanwhile, the Tejas Mk2 is an upgraded version of the Tejas, a fourth-generation multi-role fighter jet. It will feature a more powerful engine, improved radar, and enhanced weapon-carrying capacity. Production of the Tejas Mk2 is expected to begin after 2025, and it will replace older aircraft such as the Mig-29, Jaguar, and Mirage 2000.
India's Self-Reliance Objective
India currently has 31 fighter squadrons, while the requirement is for 42.5 squadrons. Older Mig-21 aircraft are being phased out, and indigenous fighter jets like the AMCA and Tejas Mk2 are being developed to replace them. This will help India achieve self-reliance and reduce its dependence on foreign jets.
Under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the Indian government and the Ministry of Defence are prioritizing these indigenous fighter jets, which will also strengthen India's position in the global defense market.
