In a significant move, the Cabinet Committee on Security has given the green light to the initiative aimed at crafting and advancing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project spearheaded by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Under the project, estimated at around Rs 15,000 crore, the DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency, in collaboration with various private and public sector entities, will pioneer the development of the stealth fighter jet and its associated technologies. Reports suggest that approximately five prototypes will be fabricated over a span of five years. It's anticipated that the manufacturing of the prototypes will involve industry players, including the public sector enterprise Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The Defense Ministry foresees the fifth-generation aircraft project as a catalyst for job creation, with potential to generate employment opportunities in the lakhs. Furthermore, orders from the Indian Air Force could translate into business opportunities worth lakhs of crores for Indian entities, thus contributing significantly to job creation on a large scale.
Under the leadership of the Narendra Modi government, indigenous fighter aircraft projects have received substantial impetus from the Indian Air Force. Notably, the government has placed orders for over 200 Light Combat Aircraft and has cleared the engines for the LCA Mark-2 project.
The induction of AMCA into operational roles is projected to commence post-2030, with the initial two squadrons planned to be equipped with GE-414 engines. Discussions are ongoing regarding the co-development of more potent engines for subsequent squadrons.
India aims to induct over 200 of these advanced fifth-generation fighters, which will not only bolster its defense capabilities but also pave the way for the development of future generations of fighter jets domestically.
AMCA is envisioned as a 25-tonne twin-engine stealth aircraft equipped with internal weapons bay and Diverterless Supersonic Intake, a technology pioneered in India for the first time. It is designed to carry an internal payload of 1,500 kg and an external payload of 5,500 kg, with a fuel capacity of 6,500 kg.
Presently, only four operational fifth-generation fighters exist worldwide, with the United States boasting two — F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II. China possesses the J-20, while Russia showcases the Su-57, though the recognition of their stealth technology as quintessentially fifth-generation remains contested.
In 2007, India had entered into a partnership with Russia for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, aimed at developing a stealth fighter — Su-57. However, India withdrew from the program in 2018 due to concerns regarding stealth capabilities, work share arrangements, and engine reliability.
According to the timeline, the first AMCA prototype, powered by the GE-414 engine, is slated for rollout by 2026. AMCA will feature state-of-the-art avionics, indigenous AESA radar, and the capability to carry weapons internally and externally.
The Indian Air Force aims to commence induction of AMCA in the early years of the next decade, with plans for seven squadrons, including two squadrons of AMCA Mk1-A equipped with GE-414 engines.
The development of AMCA is segmented into two phases: Mk1 utilizing the General Electric F414 engine and Mk2 incorporating a more potent engine, slated for co-development with Safran (France) though GE (USA), and Rolls Royce (UK) are also said to be in the race.
In September 2022, the CCS sanctioned the development of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk2, a more capable fighter than the current LCA, at a cost of ₹9,000 crore. The LCA-Mk2 will also be powered by the GE F414 engine, offering enhanced thrust of 98kN compared to 84kN thrust of the GE-404 engine powering the LCA Mk1 and Mk1A.
The approval of approximately Rs 15,000 crore is earmarked for the design and prototype development of the aircraft, which will eventually be propelled by Make in India jet engines with a reported thrust capacity of 110 kN.
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