The Future Ai

Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0 here, the defense secretary indicated that India is also exploring partnerships for developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft, saying that India has reached out to two international three-country programs and expressed willingness to collaborate. He also revealed that India is working towards developing a multi-layered conventional missile force spanning short, medium and long ranges.Addressing concerns over the absence of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from key upcoming aerospace projects such as AMCA and Rafale-related production, Singh said diversifying production capabilities is strategically beneficial. “Most of our major defense producers in the world, the US, Russians, the Chinese, all have two fighter production lines in two separate companies, sometimes both are public in China, but they do have two.” On the target of Rs 50,000 crore in defense exports by 2029, Singh said the milestone would be comfortably achieved.At the same event, DRDO chief Samir V Kamat said India’s LR-AShM hypersonic glide missile program has reached an advanced stage, with initial trials expected soon. On the development of the Agni-VI ballistic missile, he said the program depends on a government decision, adding the agency is fully prepared to proceed when approval is granted. The Agni-VI is expected to be an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile with longer range and improved capabilities compared to existing systems in India’s Agni series.On unmanned combat air vehicles, Kamat said the Ghatak UCAV will be comparable to a stealth fighter in capability.