Kota Harinarayana, principal designer of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS, has urged the nation to reject foreign fighter jet acquisitions, particularly the Russian Su-57, advocating instead for a commitment to self-reliance in defense aviation. He emphasized that India has the capability to develop advanced combat platforms, citing the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) as a pivotal project providing a fifth-generation solution tailored to Indian needs. Harinarayana’s insights underscore the strategic rationale for indigenous development, positing that true defense sovereignty requires control over critical technologies, fostering domestic industrial growth, and the potential for future exports. His perspective aligns with the Indian government’s push for indigenous defense manufacturing, marking a significant step towards establishing a self-sufficient aerospace ecosystem.