India’s Indigenous AMCA 5th Gen Fighter Jet

Context: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a Rs 15,000 crore project to design and develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation fighter multirole fighter jet.

India’s Indigenous AMCA Fighter Jet: An Overview

• The AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) is India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet project.
• Spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Indian Air Force’s (IAF) latest addition aimed to have stealth capabilities.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a key manufacturing partner.
• Comparison with Other Fifth-Generation Fighters: Only a few countries have built fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
  • The list of aircraft currently in service includes the F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II of the US, the Chinese J-20 Mighty Dragon, and the Russian Sukhoi Su-57.

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Features of AMCA

• Stealth: AMCA, weighing 25 tons, is designed with stealth features making it less detectable by radar.
• Fuel and Weapons: Equipped with a larger fuel tank of 6.5 tons and an internal weapons bay for indigenous weapons.
• Engine: Two variants of engines are planned:
  • The initial AMCA Mk1 with the existing GE414 engine and
  • The subsequent Mk2 with the more powerful 110kN engine.

Importance of AMCA

• Strategic Edge: AMCA will enhance the IAF’s capabilities with modern stealth features, advanced weapons, and fuel capacity.
• Self-reliance: Part of India’s push towards self-reliance in defence technology.
• Innovation: Incorporates cutting-edge technology, like a multirole radar signature, making it a formidable asset in air combat.
• Advanced Systems: Outfitted with powerful sensors and advanced avionics to engage and counter threats effectively.
• Materials and Design: Utilises special materials and design features for a reduced radar signature.
• Significance in Military Strategy: AMCA will provide the IAF with advanced capabilities and contribute to India’s defence technology sector, representing a significant step towards indigenous military advancements and strategic autonomy.

IAF’s Winding Numbers

• The IAF is projected to have fewer fighter squadrons in the future due to the phasing out of older aircraft models like MiG-21s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, and Mirage 2000s.
• AMCA is part of the plan to bolster the IAF’s squadron strength but will not increase the total number of squadrons as it is set to replace current aircraft.

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