India Fast-Tracks Development of Indigenous 5th Generation Fighter; To Take-Off Ahead of Pakistan
India is accelerating the development of its indigenous fifth-generation
stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), in response
to emerging threats from Pakistan and China. This move is driven by a
top-level committee aiming to expedite the project by improving efficiency and
involving greater private sector participation. Meanwhile, Pakistan is
planning to acquire at least 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth jets from
China, which has already deployed its J-20 jets near the Indian border.
A top-level committee, chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, is
working to improve efficiency and shorten production timelines, with a focus
on greater private sector involvement.
This committee includes officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Aeronautical Development
Agency (ADA), and is expected to submit its report soon.
Key Developments In India's 5th Generation Fighter Programs
The AMCA is a swing-role advanced medium combat aircraft designed to provide
multi-role capabilities for the Indian Air Force. The development is being
accelerated to counter the growing stealth and capability gap with
adversaries like China and Pakistan.
Besides the AMCA, India is also developing the Twin-Engine Deck-Based
Fighter (TEDBF) for the Navy. This aircraft is in the Preliminary Design
Review phase and is expected to enhance maritime defence capabilities with
its multi-role design.
Russia has renewed its offer to sell its Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jet
to India, proposing local production and assistance with India's AMCA
program. This comes as an alternative to the US-offered F-35.
India faces challenges such as delays in the production of fourth-generation
Tejas jets and the need to bridge the capability gap with China and
Pakistan.
India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and China's J-35A are both
fifth-generation stealth fighters, but they differ significantly in
capabilities, design philosophy, and operational readiness. Below is a
comparison based on key attributes:
Comparison of AMCA And J-35A
| Feature | AMCA (India) | J-35A (China) |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth | Optimized for low radar cross-section with S-shaped air intakes and composite materials. | Advanced stealth features like radar-absorbent materials and internal weapon bays. |
| Engines | Twin modified GE F414 engines with super-cruise capability. | Guizhou WS-21 engines with potential super-cruise but less advanced than Western counterparts. |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.15 (approx. 2,600 kmph, 1,616 mph). | Mach 1.8 (~2,222 Kmph/1,381 mph). |
| Combat Range | 1,620 km (1,010 miles). | 746 miles (~1,200 km). |
| Avionics & Radar | Indigenous Uttam AESA radar; planned integration of advanced sensor fusion technologies. | Likely equipped with Chinese AESA radar and Distributed Aperture System (DAS). |
| Weapons | Astra Mk2/3 missiles and future hypersonic weapons; internal and external payloads. | PL-15 missiles; internal weapon bays for stealth missions. |
| Operational Readiness | Expected production by 2035; still in prototype phase. | Operational testing underway; carrier-based variant available. |
The AMCA project, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security with an
initial investment of over ₹15,000 crore, aims to place India among a select
group of nations with fifth-generation fighter jets. Currently, only the US,
China, and Russia have operational fifth-generation fighters.
The AMCA will feature advanced stealth capabilities, including an internal
weapons bay and a low radar cross-section, making it highly effective in
evading enemy detection.
It is designed to perform multiple roles such as air supremacy, ground
strikes, and electronic warfare missions.
India's push for the AMCA is also driven by the need to address the IAF's
dwindling fighter squadrons. The IAF currently operates with fewer squadrons
than authorised, and several more are set to retire in the coming years.
The AMCA, along with other indigenous projects like the TEJAS MK-1A and
MK-2, will play a crucial role in modernising the IAF's fleet.
India is developing another indigenous fifth-generation fighter, the
Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), specifically for the Indian Navy,
highlighting the country's commitment to self-reliance in defence
manufacturing.
The AMCA's development timeline is ambitious, with the first prototype
expected by late 2028 and mass production planned to begin by 2033 or 2034.
The aircraft will initially use GE-F414 engines, with plans to upgrade to
more powerful 110 kilonewton engines in later variants.
This project underscores India's strategic focus on indigenous defence
capabilities to counter regional security challenges.
TOI
