India's largest private-sector defence manufacturer, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has indicated a strong interest in helping to resolve the Indian Air Force's (IAF) urgent need for new fighter jets.
J.D. Patil, head of aerospace and defence at L&T, recently suggested the company is exploring the possibility of creating a production line for domestically-built fighter aircraft.
While Patil did not disclose which specific aircraft L&T might produce, the statement reflects the increasing pressure on the IAF to modernize its fleet.
This aligns with recent urgent calls from Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who stated that the IAF's dwindling number of operational squadrons has reached a critical point, requiring immediate solutions.
The IAF is currently operating with a significant deficit of almost 200 fighter jets. It currently fields around 31 operational squadrons, far short of the 42 squadrons officially authorized.
The situation is projected to worsen, as approximately 250 older aircraft, including MiG-21s, Jaguars, and early-model Mirage 2000s, are scheduled to be retired by 2040. This means that, the IAF's needs amount to an estimated 450 aircraft over the next 15 years.
The Air Chief has consistently stressed the need to speed up both the acquisition of new jets and the domestic production of aircraft, presenting a clear opportunity for private sector involvement.
Patil echoed this sentiment, stating that the Air Force Chief's strong remarks highlight the urgency and the potential for "enhancing the role which the private sector is already playing," particularly in existing projects like the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
The Tejas program is a probable focus for L&T's potential manufacturing efforts. The IAF has placed orders for 180 Tejas Mk1A jets, with deliveries slated to commence in 2025 and be completed within seven years.
Furthermore, the Tejas Mk2, a more advanced 4.5-generation medium-weight fighter, is planned to enter production around 2030, with a target of 120 units by 2040.
Tejas Mk2 is designed to incorporate advanced technologies, such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
L&T's Precision Engineering and Systems unit, which saw a substantial 41% revenue increase to approximately $548.3 million (₹46.10 billion) in the fiscal year 2024, already manufactures crucial components, including wings and fuselage sections, for aircraft produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Transitioning to full-scale aircraft assembly would build upon this existing expertise, solidifying L&T's position as a major contributor to India's aerospace sector.
The Air Chief's urgent calls for action also reflect broader challenges within India's defence planning and procurement processes. Defence analyst Sorav Jha has pointed to "unresolved issues" in both planning and execution. While long-term planning documents, such as the Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), exist, the practical implementation of military manufacturing has been problematic.
Past procurement initiatives, like the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, faced significant delays and ultimately stalled, contributing to the current situation. A lack of proactive planning to address production limitations and a failure to adequately balance foreign acquisitions with domestic production capacity have further intensified the IAF's current shortage.
Despite the clear opportunity, significant hurdles remain for L&T. HAL's current position as the sole manufacturer of fighter jets in India, combined with its own production capacity limitations, could lead to potential conflicts. Setting up a completely new production line requires substantial financial investment, the acquisition of necessary technologies, and a highly skilled workforce.
While L&T's substantial aerospace revenue provides a starting point, it does not guarantee success. Additionally, the IAF's ongoing tender for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) from foreign manufacturers adds another layer of complexity to the balance between domestically produced and imported aircraft.
The MRFA program, aimed at acquiring a mix of single and twin-engine fighters, has been under consideration for several years, with multiple international contenders vying for the contract. The final decision on the MRFA will significantly impact the future composition of the IAF's fleet and the role of domestic manufacturers.
