An India parliamentary panel on defense has asked the government to expedite the procurement of all pending fighter aircraft as the country’s air force squadron strength has dwindled to 25 from the sanctioned 42 fighters.

The wheeled version of India’s homegrown unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Nishant, called “Panchi” or Bird, has made its first flight, joining the likes of Global Hawk and Predator.

The push to have more defense industry-related manufacturing built indigenously is hurting India in the short run, but the benefits could outweigh the pain.