Air dominance means victory in war
The ability to control the skies has become a major measure of power in current world politics. Countries with more powerful and modern technology fighter aircraft stay one step ahead on the battlefield. India recently signed a major deal to purchase 114 Rafale jets from France. But do you know that despite showing its prowess, France is not the world's largest fighter aircraft manufacturer? Actually, a completely different country tops this list. Let's see where India ranks.
America
America holds the first position in the list of fighter aircraft manufacturers. Giant companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing produce more than 190 to 200 fighter aircraft annually. Their 'F-35 Lightning II' is currently one of the world's most powerful fighter jets.
China
China holds the second position in the list. Through Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and AVIC, China produces approximately 100 fighter aircraft annually. Their trump cards are the 'J-20' and 'J-35'. China has already begun work on their fifth and sixth-generation fighter aircraft, which poses a major challenge for Western countries.
Russia
Russia once ruled the skies. But currently they are in third position. Sukhoi and United Aircraft Corporation produce approximately 50 fighter aircraft annually. Their main strength lies in fighter aircraft like Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35. Besides, they also have aircraft like the Su-57 in their arsenal.
France
France's Dassault Aviation produces some of the world's finest Rafale aircraft. Including special units for the navy, they are capable of producing approximately 25 to 30 aircraft annually. Though they are the best in terms of quality, they are in fourth position on the list due to production scale.
Europe (Consortium)
Other European countries also manufacture fighter aircraft, such as Britain's BAE Systems, Airbus and Leonardo. However, their production capacity is relatively low. They can produce approximately 20 fighter aircraft annually. They mainly manufacture the 'Eurofighter Typhoon'.
India
India comes next on the list. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures the 'Tejas' fighter aircraft using indigenous technology. Though India's annual production capacity is 25 aircraft, a major problem is the lack of engines. India is still dependent on American company General Electric (GE) for engines for indigenous fighter jets, which sometimes causes delays in the production process.
The struggle to become self-reliant in engine technology
Though India is rapidly improving in fighter aircraft manufacturing, lagging in engine technology remains the biggest obstacle. However, at the government level, emphasis is currently being placed on manufacturing indigenous engines. If India can successfully manufacture its own engines, it could quickly secure a place among the top three countries in the fighter aircraft production list.
Whose will be the future skies?
The balance between technology and production capacity will determine who will control tomorrow's skies. While America and China are ahead in terms of numbers, India and France are maintaining their existence through the qualitative standards of technology. However, India has one goal to become 'self-reliant' by reducing foreign dependence.
