Fifth-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Plan Cleared: How It Will Give India A Strategic Edge

[Spartan]

The defence ministry has approved the “execution model" for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jets to bolster its air capability.

“In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model," the defence ministry said on Tuesday.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the AMCA project in collaboration with private industry partners.

Termed as India’s answer to fifth-generation air power, the AMCA is expected to be a stealth-heavy, multi-role platform incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as sensor fusion, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, and supercruise capability.

What Is Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft?

The AMCA is a 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft with an internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity. Its advanced stealth features will enable it to meet new and developing challenges in modern warfare. The initial cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 15,000 crore.

The fifth-generation stealth fighter jet also boasts of an Electronic Pilot powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) for advanced decision-making. It also has Netcentric Warfare Systems for real-time combat coordination, an internal weapon bay for a range of weapons, and Integrated Vehicle Health Management for predictive maintenance, as mentioned in an India Today report. It will also aid in complex combat situations and provide seamless coordination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The internal weapons bay can carry up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and several precision-guided munitions, with a payload of 1,500 kg, The Indian Express reported.

The fifth-generation aircraft are different from Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and have low electromagnetic signature, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect it.

With AMCA, India has joined the list of select nations which have developed a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. The United States has the F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II, China has the J-20 Mighty Dragon and Russia has the Sukhoi Su-57.

How Soon Will India Get AMCA?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has committed to delivering the AMCA by 2035. “This journey began only in 2024, when the Cabinet Committee on Security sanctioned the project," DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat had previously said. “It will take ten years, and we have committed to delivering the platform by 2035."

One critical component of developing AMCA is the engine, which is likely to be developed through a joint venture with a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

The cabinet committee on security, led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the full-scale engineering development of five AMCA prototypes in March 2024, with an initial budget of over Rs 15,000 crore.

With several major indigenous systems like VSHORAD, MPATGM, and LCA Mk II also nearing induction, India’s defence industrial base is poised for a transformative decade.

 

What Are F35 And Su-57 5th Generation Fighter Jets?

The 15th edition of Aero India in Bengaluru on February 10 showcases some of the most advanced Russia’s Su57E fighter jets and USA’s F35.

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a twin-engine stealth multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, can carry up to 7.4 tonnes of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It has a maximum operating altitude of 54,100 feet and has a combat range of 1,864 miles.

Russia, which has about 76 Su-57s, is looking to sell the aircraft to India and UAE, according to an Indian Express report.

The F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft by Lockheed Martin are the “most widely-deployed fifth-generation fighter, integrates advanced stealth, unparalleled situational awareness and networked combat capabilities", the defence ministry said in a statement.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a latest generation single-seat fighter aircraft, and has dozens of advanced capabilities such as ultra-high frequency voice and data and joint precision and approach landing systems, and the cutting-edge Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) for low-observable platforms.

It has a payload of 18,000 pounds, with a speed of Mach 1.6 and has an internal fuel capacity of 18,498 pounds.

The F-35 contains state-of-the-art tactical data links that provide the secure sharing of data among its flight members as well as other airborne, surface and ground-based platforms required to perform assigned missions.

The F-35’s engine produces 43,000 lbs of thrust and consists of a three-stage fan, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a two-stage low-pressure turbine.

Characteristics Of Each Generation Of Fighter Jets Explained

Generation 1 – Early Era Jets (1940-1950): This era marked the transition from propellers to jet engines, though the technology was still nascent. These jets lacked radar, had only machine guns and unguided rockets, and were limited in speed and altitude. Their design and construction were quite basic. Notable examples include the F-86 Sabre (USA), MiG-15 (USSR), Gloster Meteor (UK), de Havilland Vampire (UK), and Dassault Ouragan (France).

Generation 2 – Supersonic And Radar Era (1950-1960): Jets in this era achieved supersonic speeds, incorporated basic radar, and introduced air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9. Radar became crucial in warfare. Examples include the MiG-21 (USSR), F-104 Starfighter (USA), Mirage III (France), and English Electric Lightning (UK).

Generation 3 – Advent Of Multi-Role (1970-1980): Jets evolved to perform both air-to-ground and air-to-air attacks. With digital avionics, fly-by-wire systems, and improved thrust-to-weight ratios, they became more manoeuvrable and adaptable to various missions. Notable examples include the F-4 Phantom II (USA), MiG-23 and MiG-27 (USSR), SEPECAT Jaguar (UK/France), and Mirage F1 (France).

Generation 3.5 – Upgraded 3rd Generation (1980-1990): This generation modernised older aircraft with Pulse-Doppler radar, glass cockpits, limited BVR missile capabilities, and digital systems. Examples include the MiG-23MLD (USSR), F-4E (USA), F-5E Tiger II (USA), Mirage F1 CR/CT (France), and MiG-21 Bison (India).

Generation 4 (Since 1990s): Fighter planes underwent a digital revolution, becoming part of a complex network rather than solitary fighters. Modern warfare now involves information, communication, and technology. Fighter jets in this era became centres of digital technology, advanced avionics, and network-centric warfare. Examples include the Mirage 2000 (France), MiG-29 (USSR), F/A-18 Hornet (USA), JAS 39 Gripen A/B (Sweden), and HAL Tejas Mk1 (India).

Generation 4.5 – Advanced 4th Generation: These jets, technically 4th Generation, have been upgraded with modern technology, improved avionics, advanced sensors, and weapon systems. Sometimes called “4th Generation Plus," they incorporate some 5th Generation technologies like sensor fusion and low radar visibility. Examples include the MiG-29SMT/UPG (Russia/India), Dassault Mirage 2000-5 (France), F-16 Block 50/52+ (USA), HAL Tejas Mk1A (India), JAS 39 Gripen C/D, and Dassault Rafale.

[Spartan]

@futureofandhra

[11_MohanReddy]

Where is the new LCA plant coming

[kakatiya]

First please focus on tejas delivery. Our air force are in worst spot since 1965. MiG-21, MiG-27, and Jaguar must be gone by end of this year and mark ii tejas must replace most of these fleets. 

With amount of funding lapses ..we cannot even afford to buy engines for acma. This is the truth. 

Having private defense building contractors (non ambanis) must step in to fill the void of production lapses. 

At least have firms like Mahendra aerospace .

 

My idea is to have private sectors like raja hansa that manufactures x air to take up some manufacturing load from HAL and let it focus on big projects until india find potential private defense contractors who can manufacture main fleet. 

China is massively producing 100 j-20 per year..  

 

[Spartan]

23 minutes ago, kakatiya said:

First please focus on tejas delivery. Our air force are in worst spot since 1965. MiG-21, MiG-27, and Jaguar must be gone by end of this year and mark ii tejas must replace most of these fleets. 

With amount of funding lapses ..we cannot even afford to buy engines for acma. This is the truth. 

Having private defense building contractors (non ambanis) must step in to fill the void of production lapses. 

At least have firms like Mahendra aerospace .

 

My idea is to have private sectors like raja hansa that manufactures x air to take up some manufacturing load from HAL and let it focus on big projects until india find potential private defense contractors who can manufacture main fleet. 

China is massively producing 100 j-20 per year..  

 

rendu parallel ga jarigite..?

[Anta Assamey]

Idi eppatiki ready chestaro inka...

[kakatiya]

39 minutes ago, Spartan said:

rendu parallel ga jarigite..?

Funding for acma is impossible in current economy. They can only focus on tejas delivery..once the delivery targets are met..they can come up with budget for acma.

India should not only massage produce tejas mark ii..they should export it to third world and defeat Chinese 4.5 gen jets.

[Raisins_72]

2 minutes ago, kakatiya said:

Funding for acma is impossible in current economy. They can only focus on tejas delivery..once the delivery targets are met..they can come up with budget for acma.

India should not only massage produce tejas mark ii..they should export it to third world and defeat Chinese 4.5 gen jets.

How much is it for Amca approx ? 

[kakatiya]

3 minutes ago, Raisins_72 said:

How much is it for Amca approx ? 

30% of defense budget 

[Spartan]

4 minutes ago, Raisins_72 said:

How much is it for Amca approx ? 

The cabinet committee on security, led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the full-scale engineering development of five AMCA prototypes in March 2024, with an initial budget of over Rs 15,000 crore.

[jalsa01]

saab grippin is best choice with tech tx.. not sure why gg with Rafael.. even this amca will be ready in 2035 which will be outdated by then 

[Raisins_72]

3 minutes ago, Spartan said:

The cabinet committee on security, led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the full-scale engineering development of five AMCA prototypes in March 2024, with an initial budget of over Rs 15,000 crore.

 

4 minutes ago, kakatiya said:

30% of defense budget 

15k crores is not bad for 5 model prototypes, no ? and the project is until 2035, not a big deal I believe when it comes to budget. 

[Raisins_72]

1 minute ago, jalsa01 said:

saab grippin is best choice with tech tx.. not sure why gg with Rafael.. even this amca will be ready in 2035 which will be outdated by then 

Again this will be imported right ? Probably need few until we deliver.

They are going for indigenous and once they built one, the next versions should be easier for us to make in the future. 

[Android_Halwa]

12 minutes ago, Raisins_72 said:

How much is it for Amca approx ? 

Breakdown: 

About $2 billion for engine development and to make it viable, gotto have 20-40 engines per year. 

AMCA’s and MK-II, yearly 20-30 roll avuthe thappa won’t be feasible economically and feasibility lekapothey program ae collapse.

To keep engine assembly line active, gotto produce 20-40 engines and maintain already produced engines.  

This cost itself will come up to 20-30 billion over five years. About 10-15k per AMCA, the cost just blows out of proportion. Ivanni parallel ga set up cheyalante defence budget 4-5% of GDP ki increase cheyalsinde

[jalsa01]

15 minutes ago, Raisins_72 said:

Again this will be imported right ? Probably need few until we deliver.

They are going for indigenous and once they built one, the next versions should be easier for us to make in the future. 

saab offer was with tech transfer but still its declined