Why can't India make military jets like China and South Korea? India can make military jets — and has — but the pace, efficiency, and sophistication are not yet on par with China or South Korea, mainly due to long-standing structural issues. Here’s a direct comparison with reasons why India is behind: Why India Struggles Compared to China and South Korea 1. China: Authoritarian Scale & Massive Investment Factor ....................... China -Government System............. Centralized, fast decisions, unlimited R&D funding. -Military-Industrial Complex....... State-controlled giants like AVIC can absorb risk and move quickly. -Tech Theft & Reverse Engineering......... Aggressively acquired Russian, U.S., and Israeli tech over decades. -Ecosystem ...............Independent engine programs (WS-10), radar tech, stealth labs. -Result................ J-20 (5th gen) already in service; 6th gen under development. 2. South Korea: Smart Partnerships & Efficient Execution- Factor South Korea -Program........................ KF-21 "Boramae" — 4.5++ gen jet with stealth features. -Execution.................. Designed and built within 6–8 years; first flight in 2022. -Partners................ Strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin (for tech transfer), and Indonesia. -Industrial Base......... Strong manufacturing (Samsung, Hyundai), discipline in project timelines. -Defense Philosophy....... Agile, export-driven, focused on tech independence. India’s Problem Areas- Issue Description 1. Delayed Projects .......Tejas took over 30 years. AMCA faces funding and coordination delays. 2. Lack of Jet Engine Program..........No indigenous fighter jet engine yet. Dependence on U.S./Russia/France. 3. Bureaucracy & DRDO-HAL Conflicts............. Defense R&D and manufacturing not aligned or accountable. 4. Limited Private Sector Involvement............. Unlike South Korea’s vibrant private sector, India depends too much on state firms. 5. Technology Denial Regimes................... India was denied advanced tech for decades (e.g., post-Pokhran sanctions). 6. Risk Aversion.................................. Indian defense tends to “play it safe” with incremental upgrades over bold innovation. 7. Focus Spread Thin Too many projects without a clear strategic priority or timeline discipline. But India Has Achievements Too- Tejas Mk1A: Combat-ready light fighter. LCH Prachand: Attack helicopter designed and made in India. Astra Missiles, UAVs, BrahMos (with Russia). AMCA is ambitious and on the right track. What India Needs to Compete: Finish AMCA without delay – complete design, secure engine, and build prototypes. Invest in indigenous engines – a strategic tech India must master. Reduce DRDO-HAL friction – empower private defense players. Follow South Korea’s model – joint development, commercial focus, clear execution timeline. Build test and stealth labs – like China’s radar cross-section test facilities. Bottom Line: India has the talent and design skills, but lacks the execution speed, engine tech, and unified vision. With proper reforms and focus, India can catch up—but the gap with China and Korea is real and needs bold political and institutional changes. By Jo Ikeji-Uju https://afriprime.net/pages/Anything