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SOURCE: AFI

In an ambitious move to bolster its indigenous defense capabilities, India is set to significantly increase the production of composites for its burgeoning fighter jet programs. This initiative is driven by the escalating demand for local manufacturing of advanced materials for aircraft like the Tejas M1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII, with production orders expected to exceed 300 units by 2035.

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a key player in aerospace research and development under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), has been at the forefront of this technology. NAL has pioneered the use of composites in India’s aircraft programs, including the LCA Tejas and the SARAS, where composites make up a significant portion of the aircraft structure. Now, with the Tejas M1A and MkII projects, the focus is on enhancing these capabilities further, leveraging composites for their lightweight, strength, and durability benefits.

To meet the growing demand and to align with the government’s push towards self-reliance in defense production, NAL is partnering with private sector companies. This collaboration is part of a broader strategy to decentralize and accelerate defense manufacturing in India. Private companies, with their efficiency and innovation, are expected to complement NAL’s expertise, ensuring that the production of composites scales up to meet the ambitious targets set for the fighter jet programs.

The use of composites in the Tejas M1A and MkII involves advanced techniques like co-curing, where multiple composite layers are bonded simultaneously, reducing weight and improving structural integrity. This not only enhances the aircraft’s performance but also reduces manufacturing costs over time. The planned increase in composite production signifies a leap in India’s technological prowess in aerospace manufacturing, aiming for a higher degree of indigenization.

By 2035, the goal is to have over 300 units of these advanced fighter jets equipped with composite panels, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense manufacturing journey. This not only caters to domestic needs but also positions India as a potential exporter of high-tech defense equipment. The collaboration between NAL and private companies is expected to set new benchmarks in composite manufacturing, potentially leading to further innovations in aerospace materials.