India’s air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) capabilities face a strategic gap as it relies on the older French-origin SCALP EG powered by a 1970s turbojet engine, while its indigenous Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) remains untapped for stealth ALCM development. Analysts emphasize the need for India to prioritize a stealthy, long-range ALCM program to bolster its strike capabilities and reduce reliance on imports, especially given the growing emphasis on stand-off strike options in the Indo-Pacific. The STFE’s advancement presents a solid foundation for such a program, as it could enhance India’s deep-strike potential against heavily defended targets. With ongoing efforts in UAVs and hypersonic technology, the call for a dedicated indigenous stealth ALCM project becomes even more crucial for India’s defense strategy.