SOURCE: AFI
Air Marshal M. Matheswaran, a retired senior official who has been instrumental in India’s defense acquisitions, including the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program and negotiations for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) with Russia, has shared strategic insights on bolstering India’s indigenous fighter jet capabilities. Matheswaran emphasizes the need for a “risk-sharing” partner to support the development of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and enhance the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2.
In a detailed discussion with the EurAsian Times, Matheswaran highlighted, “We must choose a partner. We need a risk-sharing partner for AMCA and someone who can fill gaps in the development of LCA Mk2. Companies like Saab might be ready to take the mantle.” This statement points towards a collaborative approach where foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) could play a crucial role in advancing India’s aerospace industry through technology transfer and shared development responsibilities.
Saab, the Swedish aerospace giant, has shown a keen interest in partnering with India. They have proposed setting up full-scale production in India, encompassing the production of airframes, systems, and software. Their plan includes rapidly indigenizing the Gripen E platform, a single-engine fighter jet noted for its modernity and efficiency, which positions it well in the contest for India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract. This proposal aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, aiming to boost local manufacturing and technological prowess.
Matheswaran’s vision extends beyond the MRFA contract; he sees potential for broader collaboration with Saab on the AMCA project. However, he advises that India should not limit its options to one partner. Instead, he suggests, “India should keep its options open and negotiate with 2-3 countries simultaneously. Those who meet our requirements and are ready for Transfer of Technology (ToT) should be asked to come and manufacture in India. There is no other way to give a boost to our industry and get a highly skilled workforce.”
This strategy of negotiating with multiple countries simultaneously for maximum leverage is aimed at ensuring that India secures the best possible terms for technology transfer, manufacturing, and development of its fighter jets. By doing so, India can not only upgrade its military capabilities but also significantly advance its aerospace manufacturing sector, fostering a highly skilled workforce and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
Matheswaran’s insights come at a pivotal time when India is looking to modernize its air force amidst growing regional security challenges. His call for a strategic partnership reflects a broader vision of self-reliance in defense, where international collaboration is leveraged to fill technological gaps, speed up indigenous projects like AMCA and LCA Mk2, and ultimately strengthen India’s position as a self-sufficient power in defense technology.