Description

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Context

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter program developed to bolster the Indian Air Force’s future combat capabilities.

With the Defence Minister’s recent approval of an industry-competitive execution model the AMCA project has entered a crucial phase.

Execution Model Approved

Feature	Details
Executing Agency	Aeronautical Development Agency
Manufacturing Bidding	Open to HAL and private Indian firms, individually or in consortium
Funding Approved	₹15,000 crore by the Cabinet Committee on Security (March 2024)
Objective	Promote fair competition and increase indigenous manufacturing capacity
Prototype Rollout	Expected by 2028–29
Production Start	Likely by 2032–33
Induction Target	By 2034

Features of AMCA

Category	AMCA Specifications
Class	25-tonne fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter
Engines	Mk-1: GE F414; Mk-2: To be co-developed with Safran (France)
Stealth Features	Internal weapons bay, RAM coating, diverterless supersonic intake (DSI)
Weapons Payload	Internal: 1,500 kg; External: 5,500 kg
Fuel Capacity	Internal: 6,500 kg
Technology	AI-enabled avionics, AESA radar, sensor fusion, supercruise
Multirole Capabilities	Air superiority, deep strike, electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD)

Why It Matters

Aspect	Significance
Level Playing Field	HAL will not have automatic manufacturing rights; must compete with private firms.
Private Sector Role	Encourages domestic aerospace innovation and scale-up under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Boost to Indigenous Capacity	Utilizes India's design expertise and manufacturing infrastructure jointly.
ADA’s Role	Will supervise the entire project, issue EoIs, and coordinate with manufacturers.

Strategic and Geopolitical Context

Concern	Implication
China’s Two 5th-Gen Fighters (J-20, J-31)	Enhances regional imbalance.
China Supplying J-35s to Pakistan	Adds to India's two-front threat.
India’s Response	Fast-tracked AMCA to ensure strategic parity.

5th Generation Aircraft

Fifth-generation aircraft represent the most advanced class of fighter jets designed to gain air superiority through a combination of stealth, agility, advanced avionics and integrated warfare systems.

These jets are a significant leap in technological sophistication over their predecessors (4th-gen fighters like the Su-30MKI or F-16).

Features of 5th Generation Aircraft

Feature	Description
Stealth Technology	Low radar cross-section using radar-absorbent material (RAM) and fuselage shaping.
Supercruise	Sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.
Advanced Avionics	Sensor fusion for real-time battlefield awareness.
Network-centric Warfare	Integration with satellites, drones, and ground assets for coordinated missions.
Internal Weapon Bays	Maintains stealth by housing weapons internally.
High Maneuverability	Thrust vectoring, fly-by-wire systems, and aerodynamic design.
Situational Awareness	Use of AI, helmet-mounted displays, and advanced radar like AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array).

Global Examples

Country	Aircraft Name	Notable Feature
USA	F-22 Raptor	First operational 5th-gen fighter; air dominance
USA	F-35 Lightning II	Multirole stealth fighter with global users
Russia	Su-57 (Felon)	Stealth with super-maneuverability
China	Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon	Long-range stealth interceptor
South Korea	KF-21 Boramae (4.5-gen but upgrading)	Semi-stealth; future upgrades planned
India	AMCA (under development)	Indigenous 5th-gen aircraft program

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project is not just about air power but about India's ambition to become a self-reliant aerospace power. Discuss the significance of the recent execution model in this context. (250 words)