India moved to fast-track the development of an advanced new stealth jet on Tuesday after suffering embarrassing losses in air combat with Pakistan during the recent flare-up in tensions.
While both sides claimed victory in the brief conflict earlier this month, a massive air battle ended with Pakistan as the clear victor, downing at least three Indian jets at the cost of none of its own. This included at least one French-made Rafale jet, a plane considered one of the best in the world with a previous reputation for invulnerability. Unsatisfied with these results, New Delhi is now seeking to develop its own fifth-generation stealth fighter.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, greets Indian Air Force officers on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, during a visit to Air Force Station Adampur, India. (Indian Prime Minister’s Office on X via AP)
India’s state-run Aeronautical Development Agency announced it will shortly invite defense firms to develop prototypes for the new twin-engine stealth fighter.
So far, only the world’s three major powers have developed and possess fifth-generation fighters — the United States, which operates the F-22 and F-35; China, which operates the J-20; and Russia, which operates the Su-57. All have banned the export of these aircraft to safeguard their technologies.
Other countries, including Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and Sweden, have their own fifth-generation programs, but they are still in the development stage.
