India Eyes ‘Look East’ Strategy for Fighter Jet Manufacturing | aviationbizz.co
India is increasingly exploring strategic partnerships with countries like Japan and South Korea to strengthen its fighter jet manufacturing capabilities, as highlighted by a senior Air Marshal.
The “Look East” approach focuses on collaborating with technologically advanced Asian nations to accelerate indigenous aerospace development. The Air Marshal emphasized that India must diversify its defence partnerships beyond traditional Western suppliers to reduce dependency and gain access to critical technologies, especially in areas like jet engines and advanced aircraft systems. Such collaborations could play a crucial role in supporting India’s ambitious next-generation fighter programs, including future combat aircraft projects.
Japan and South Korea bring strong expertise in precision manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace engineering. For example, South Korea’s indigenous fighter program has already demonstrated significant progress in modern aircraft development.
By working closely with these nations, India aims to boost domestic production, enhance technological capabilities, and strengthen its position in the global defence ecosystem. The move also aligns with the country’s broader vision of self-reliance and expanding defence manufacturing under initiatives like “Make in India.”
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