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The AMCA matches F-35, J-20 and Su-57 with serpentine air intakes, radar-wave absorption tech, and all-aspect stealth design, ensuring minimal visibility from all angles
AMCA will have a heat signature reduction system to evade infrared sensors and low electromagnetic signature technology. (PTI/File)
India is advancing in the development of modern fighter jets using indigenous technology, responding to the changed strategic environment that necessitates the creation of fifth-generation stealth jets. The Tejas fighter aircraft serves as a prime example of India’s progress in the fighter jet manufacturing sector. Currently, India is working on a specialised project to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Krishna Rajendra, the AMCA Project Director, recently provided a significant update, revealing that the design for the AMCA fighter jet has been finalised. He also mentioned that the first flight appearance of the AMCA jet is expected by the end of 2027, marking the beginning of the process for its induction into the Armed Forces.
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The AMCA project aims to create a fifth-generation fighter jet using indigenous technology and prototype design. Unlike the Tejas multirole fighter jet project, AMCA is exclusively focused on developing a fifth-generation aircraft. In the short term, India will continue to import multirole and fifth-generation fighter jets, such as the Rafale and the American F-35 or Russia’s Su-57. However, long-term dependence on these imports is projected to significantly reduce.
Recently, the Indian Air Force requested the immediate procurement of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft due to the historically low levels of its fighter jet squadron.
Indigenous 5th-Gen Fighter Jet Dream Nears Reality
With the development of the AMCA, the dream of an indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet will soon be realised. According to ‘India Defence News’, the paper design of the AMCA has been finalised by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), with the first flight slated by the end of 2027.
The design is wholly indigenous, involving collaboration between ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency), several Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) labs, academic institutions, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The central government has approved approximately Rs 15,000 crore for the project, which plans to produce five prototype designs in the initial phase before beginning serial production.
Key Features Of Indigenous 5th-Gen Fighter Jet
Twin-engine, Single-seat design: Maximum take-off weight of 25 tonnes.
Internal weapon bay: Stores weapons inside the aircraft to reduce radar detection.
Stealth mode: Can carry up to 1.5 tonnes of weapons in internal bays.
Non-stealth mode: Can carry up to 5 tonnes of weapons on external pylons.
Super-cruise capability: Enables sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.
AESA radar, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare systems: Provide real-time battlefield awareness.
Artificial Intelligence-based ‘Electronic Pilot’: Assists the pilot and functions as a virtual co-pilot.
Exclusive Stealth Capabilities
The AMCA’s stealth capabilities, comparable to the American F-35, Chinese J-20, and Russian Su-57, include serpentine air intakes to hide engine blades from radar, technology to prevent radar wave reflection, and an all-aspect stealth design for minimal visibility from all angles. Additionally, it will have a heat signature reduction system to evade infrared sensors and low electromagnetic signature technology to dodge electronic surveillance systems.
Stealth vs Non-Stealth Mode
The design of the AMCA balances weapon capacity with stealth. In stealth mode, internal weapon storage reduces radar signature but limits weapon capacity to 1.5 tonnes. In non-stealth mode, external pylons increase load capacity to 5 tonnes but make the aircraft more detectable.
Strategic Significance
Strategically, the AMCA is poised to replace older aircraft like the MiG and Jaguar in the Indian Air Force, enhancing India’s air power alongside the Tejas LCA and the future Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MMRFA). With this project, India joins the exclusive group of nations capable of building indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighters, a capability previously held only by the US, Russia, and China. The AMCA project symbolises India’s technological prowess, strategic self-reliance, and commitment to the ‘Make in India’ defence initiative, promising a substantial boost to the indigenous defence industry and a technological edge in future conflicts.
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