Aero India: Catalysing International Defence Collaborations and Innovations
Aero India 2025, scheduled from February 10 to 14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, is witnessing participation from approximately 150 companies representing 90 countries. This year’s event holds significant importance for India and various other nations, as India is poised to finalize a deal for 150 aircraft. However, the partnering country for this deal remains undisclosed.
Currently, two fighter jets are generating considerable interest among the Indian populace: the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 and the American F-35. Speculations abound that India might sign an agreement for either of these advanced aircraft, but no official confirmation has been provided. Enthusiasts anticipate witnessing one of these jets soaring in the Indian skies, yet the Indian Air Force (IAF) has its preferences.
The IAF’s favoured aircraft include the Dassault Rafale and the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. Pilots have expressed a particular affinity for flying these fighter jets. The Rafale is a 4.5-generation, twin-engine fighter jet designed for a two-person crew: one pilot manages the aircraft, while the other handles missile systems. Notably, the Rafale is capable of carrying the BrahMos missile and nuclear weapons.
In contrast, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI is operated by a single pilot equipped with a helmet-mounted display. The aircraft features advanced avionics and artificial intelligence systems to assist in flight operations, with the pilot responsible for missile targeting. However, the Su-30MKI’s airframe is not robust enough to carry the BrahMos missile and nuclear armaments. Between these two, the Rafale is considered a top priority for the IAF, followed by the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Gripen.
Following are some deals offered by various countries to India:
Rafale: If India commits to a substantial procurement of Rafales, France is prepared to establish a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem within India. If these engines are manufactured by India under the surveillance France has extended a compelling proposal to India concerning the Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
This initiative would encompass full technology transfer, enabling the domestic production of these aircraft and their engines. Such a move could significantly accelerate the manufacturing of the Tejas light combat aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), as the indigenously produced engines could be utilized in the Tejas fleet. France has also shown significant interest in India’s very own PINAKA multi-barrel rocket launcher. France may sign a deal with India where France can buy Pinaka from India and resell it to any other country. India may also sign a deal with France for a 20-24 Rafale navy version on an urgent basis.
Sukhoi Su-57: Russia has made a proposal to India for the Sukhoi Su-57, similar to the one offered to France. The deal would enable India to manufacture the Su-57 domestically, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that includes technology transfer and engine production .
This collaboration would build upon the existing joint venture between India and Russia, which has successfully produced the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI in India. The proposed deal would not only strengthen India’s air force capabilities but also promote self-reliance in defence production. With Russia’s offer to transfer technology and manufacture engines in India, the country could reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and develop a robust defence industrial base.
Saab Jas 39 Gripen: Sweden has presented a compelling proposal to India concerning the Saab Gripen E fighter jet. The Gripen E, a single-engine, 4.5-generation aircraft, is considered well-suited to the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Saab has offered to establish a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India, which includes full
technology transfer and the domestic production of both the aircraft and its engines. This initiative aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ policy and aims to bolster indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, Saab has proposed that all Gripen E aircraft could be manufactured in India, with the potential for India to export these jets to other countries, providing a percentage of the proceeds to Sweden. This arrangement could position India as a global hub for Gripen production and export.Notably, the Gripen E is powered by the GE F414 engine, the same engine selected for India’s indigenous Tejas Mk2 fighter. This commonality could streamline logistics, maintenance, and training for the IAF, as well as accelerate the production of the Tejas by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
F-35: The United States has proposed that India consider acquiring the F-35 Lightning II, its advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. However, the F-35 program has faced challenges, including engine reliability issues and lower-than-expected mission availability rates. A 2024 report highlightedthat the F-35 fleet was operationally available only 51% of the time, falling short of the
65% target. Additionally, integrating the F-35 into India’s defence infrastructure presents compatibility concerns due to India’s existing deployment of the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The U.S. has previously expressed apprehension that operating the F-35 alongside the S-400 could compromise the jet’s stealth capabilities, as the S-400’s advanced radar systems might gather critical data on the F-35. In light of these concerns, the U.S. has suggested that India consider procuring the MIM-104 Patriot missile system as an alternative. However, reports indicate that the components and operational parameters of the S-400 can be adjusted to mitigate potential conflicts, potentially reducing the necessity for India to invest in the Patriot system. These factors require careful consideration as India evaluates its future fighter jet acquisitions and the broader implications for its defence strategy.
As per a statement by ACM Amarpreet Singh when asked about the requirements of the Indian Air Force at present, he said “I can only tell you our requirements and what our worries are. You have to alleviate those worries and make us more confident. At the moment, I’m just not confident of HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), which is the wrong thing to happen. Not capable of delivering 40 Tejas in 40 years.
Everything is driven by ‘ho jayega’ (will happen) and ‘karenge’ (we will do it!) “
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pursuing the expansion of its fleet to achieve its sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, a goal underscored by the recent Aero India 2025 event. Currently operating with only 31 squadrons, the IAF faces an urgent need to bolster its aerial capabilities, especially given the evolving security dynamics in the region. At Aero India 2025, the IAF is anticipated to finalize a significant procurement deal involving over 150 aircraft. This acquisition plan includes the immediate induction of 42 squadrons, with an additional 20 squadrons to be integrated subsequently. The specifics of the aircraft models and the countries involved in these deals are eagerly awaited.All attention is now focused on Aero India 2025 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming announcements regarding the new additions to the IAF’s fleet. The decisions made will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s defence posture and its commitment to maintaining a robust and modern air force.
