When India first launched its ambitious Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme, the idea of competing with global aviation giants seemed far-fetched. But nearly two decades later, the tables have turned. Kota Harinarayana, the former programme director and chief designer of Tejas, now says India is on the brink of a major milestone — complete self-reliance in fighter jet manufacturing.
With a robust aircraft production ecosystem now in place, Harinarayana believes India is poised to enter a new chapter in defence production. This phase not only involves fulfilling the Indian Air Force’s operational requirements but also includes the export of indigenous jets to allied nations.
“In the next few years, I hope India will be able to manufacture all the fighter jets it needs for defence and start exporting them to friendly countries,” said Harinarayana. He noted that India has already built a strong foundation across a wide range of aircraft — from small and medium-sized jets to unmanned aerial systems — showcasing the growing strength of the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
The increased deployment of Tejas by the Indian Air Force has further validated the viability of domestically produced defence platforms. According to the veteran aviation scientist, the era of heavy dependence on imported aircraft from countries like Russia and France is rapidly drawing to a close.
“Time will come, and it’s not very far, when India will become an exporter of defence products,” Harinarayana said while speaking at a university convocation. He highlighted India’s growing technological prowess and pointed to its successful operational response to Pakistani aggression during Operation Sindoor as an example of rising confidence in indigenous defence readiness.
Among the recent advancements, Harinarayana mentioned the successful testing of ‘Bhargavastra’, an affordable, homegrown counter-drone system trialled in Odisha’s Gopalpur. He described this as a significant leap in India’s tactical and technological capabilities.
In his view, what we are witnessing now is just the beginning — the “first phase” — of India’s emergence as a global player in the defence industry.
