India approves plan for next-gen stealth fighter amid arms race with Pakistan

Reuters

India is moving ahead with its most advanced stealth fighter jet program as tensions with Pakistan and China escalate.

India's defence ministry has approved a framework to develop a next-generation stealth fighter jet, aiming to strengthen its air capabilities amid growing regional tensions. The Aeronautical Development Agency will soon invite bids from private and state-owned firms to prototype the twin-engine, fifth-generation aircraft. This initiative comes as India's Air Force struggles with a reduced fleet of 31 squadrons—well below the sanctioned strength of 42—while China expands its aerial power and Pakistan deploys advanced Chinese J-10 jets.

The recent four-day military standoff between India and Pakistan, which included the large-scale use of drones and missiles, has further spurred an arms race. The new stealth jet program will involve domestic industry players, promoting collaboration and reducing over-reliance on state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which has been criticized for delays in Tejas aircraft production.

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