Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) News and Discussion

[kumar]

ADA has its task cutout. It's now time to deliver.

 

[RG]

Focus should be on both manned and unmanned, but Manned should be priorty, are they done with it. may be the design is done, can all the ducks in order for it to developed, tested and produced.

 

[PRO]

CCS Approves ₹15,000 Crore for AMCA, Two Variants to Feature Supersonic Cruising and AI-Powered Flight​

India's ambitions in the aerospace sector received a major boost with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving a ₹15,000 crore budget for the nation's 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CCS decision signals India's continued determination to strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

The AMCA represents a transformative leap in India's aerospace development, joining the Tejas Mk1A and MkII programs as part of the country's expanding portfolio of domestically produced fighter jets. This landmark project spotlights India's drive to become a major player in advanced combat aircraft design.

Two-Phase Development​

The AMCA development will proceed in two phases. Phase-I centers on the AMCA MKI variant, powered by GE F-414 engines with a 98kN thrust. In a significant boost for India's manufacturing sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will produce these engines locally. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already pledged to procure 40 AMCA MKI units, a vote of confidence in India's defense industry.

Phase-II will unveil the AMCA MK2, featuring radical performance enhancements. A powerful new engine in the 110-120kN class will allow the MK2 to achieve supersonic cruising speeds without the need for afterburners.

Moreover, cutting-edge avionics and pilot functions will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced tasks like hands-free takeoff and landing, optimizing pilot efficiency and aircraft performance in combat situations.

Defence Modernization and Self-Reliance​

"The AMCA program is a cornerstone of India's defense modernization and embodies our commitment to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'," stated a defence analyst based in New Delhi. "By developing advanced technologies in-house, we not only strengthen our armed forces but also fuel our economic growth."

The AMCA promises to deliver advanced stealth characteristics, supercruise capabilities, and potent sensor suites, positioning it as a formidable adversary in the skies. India's resolute push towards self-reliance in critical defense technologies promises to shape the country's strategic profile for decades to come.

 

[PRO]

AMCA Development: India's Phased Approach to Next-Gen Fighter Supremacy​

India's quest for an advanced, indigenously developed fighter jet took a major step forward with the government's approval of funds for the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aims to deliver a next-generation fighter jet that will form a critical part of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) future combat capabilities.

Funding and Initial Phase​

The initial funding of ₹15,000 crores will focus on establishing a new AMCA assembly line, a critical step towards turning blueprints into reality. This involves acquiring specialized machinery and materials to begin the production of the first prototypes.

ADA and HAL are pursuing an ambitious timeline, aiming to commence ground testing of the first AMCA prototype by early 2027, with flight trials starting in 2028.

The goal is to manufacture one prototype annually, with the final two prototypes incorporating near or pre-production standard components to streamline the transition to full-scale production.

AMCA MkI: Paving the Way​

The AMCA MkI is projected to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in early 2032. The IAF has committed to procuring at least 40 MkI units, forming the first two squadrons.

This initial phase will be crucial for testing, tactical development, and identifying areas for potential improvement. The learnings from these first squadrons will pave the way for the refined and even more potent AMCA MkII.

AMCA Mk II: The Future of India's Air Power​

The upgraded AMCA MkII envisions a collaboration with France's SAFRAN for the joint development of a more powerful engine.

Production of the MkII is anticipated to start after 2035, with initial orders expected to surpass 100 units. The MkII will gradually replace India's aging Sukhoi-30MKI fleet, which will reach the end of their service life around 2040.

Implications for India's Defence​

The AMCA program represents a significant advancement for India's drive towards self-sufficiency in fighter jet development.

This dedicated funding and structured roadmap signal not only the ability to produce a game-changing domestic aircraft but also India's increasing technological prowess on the global stage.

As the AMCA takes flight in the coming years, the IAF will usher in a new era of cutting-edge combat capabilities.

 

[Frank]

Quoting from twitter

"Young People can save my post that ADA is just going to waste & enjoy picnic on huge budget of Rs 6500 cr + Rs 15,000 for LCA MK2 & AMCA. Both projects will see massive delay & cost overruns

Squadron level service entry of LCA MK2 will happen only after 2035, for AMCA after 2050"

ADA HAL guys keep winning free fund

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Quoting from twitter

"Young People can save my post that ADA is just going to waste & enjoy picnic on huge budget of Rs 6500 cr + Rs 15,000 for LCA MK2 & AMCA. Both projects will see massive delay & cost overruns

Squadron level service entry of LCA MK2 will happen only after 2035, for AMCA after 2050"

ADA HAL guys keep winning free fund

No need to save your post, my friend. Any Tannu-Deepak-Harinder who has been follwiing the progress of Tejas project knows AMCA is also going the same way.
HAL's incompetence combined with an import loving military - perfect recipe for another Tejas seasons-2 coming soon to a wikipedia near you.

 

[sanket]

Good after Long wait , Now Make Final call on Slecting Foreign partner for Engine development of 110kN to 120kN . without Indigenous Engine cant develop AMCA-MK2 Variant

 

[sanket]

when did Safran was finalised for joint development of Engine for AMCA , yet dcision havent taken..

 

[sanket]

Mark My word Tejas MK2 will happen by 2030 /31 & AMCA-MK1 2035.

 

[Steel Mathi]

Congratulations... Govt of India has done its duty... Concerned Govt and private sector companies should maintain their capacity and faith in Govt and Indian people... 2027 is very long time, atleast AMCA should operate first flight by then..I believe it will be a more advanced aircraft than Turkey's KAAN and South Korea's KFX 50. India is at the forefront of both these aircraft upgrades...KAAN & FX50 they have already developed the aircraft with the help of US companies. But most of the components in India's 5th generation aircraft are indigenously researched and manufactured...

 

[Frank]

Lets play a game.. when will AMCA mk1 be rolled out and when will production start???

Personally I think rolled out in 2035 and production from 2050

TAKE YOUR GUESS GUYS... ITS FUN...

 

[BnglrTester]

No need to save your post, my friend. Any Tannu-Deepak-Harinder who has been follwiing the progress of Tejas project knows AMCA is also going the same way.
HAL's incompetence combined with an import loving military - perfect recipe for another Tejas seasons-2 coming soon to a wikipedia near you.

What has HAL got to do with AMCA ? Isn't ADA the sole developer ?
DRDO is the most incompetent in the ecosystem. IAF is incompetent as well. HAL can be privatised, but what about DRDO and IAF ? This is a problem of our culture developed during early days of socialism.

 

[Steel Mathi]

Lets play a game.. when will AMCA mk1 be rolled out and when will production start???

Personally I think rolled out in 2035 and production from 2050

TAKE YOUR GUESS GUYS... ITS FUN...

I am non-partisan...but I believe that what you said will most likely not happen if the current government takes your view when it comes to national security.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Mark My word Tejas MK2 will happen by 2030 /31 & AMCA-MK1 2035.

Get real buddy. LCA MK2 prototype roll out itself has been postponed for 2025-27, after that the prototypes would start a long process of flight-testing trials, where its airframe would be put to test and the FBW software and control systems would be incrementally optimized and sub systems would also be added and tested on board.

Internationally, that process lasts for about 5-7 years, assuming they keep the timetable we are looking at 2032-34, to complete these flight trials even in the most optimistic scenario. After that assuming a contract is immediately given, we are looking at least 3-3.5 years to organize the production. Thus even in most optimistic scenario, we are unlikely to see a LCA MK2 anytime before 2037-38.

The AMCA was approved just recently in 2024, it would now at least take a year or two to fabricate the prototype itself. Now since its a new aircraft with a comparatively higher percentage of radical technologies, its bound to have a longer flight test regime. I would assume the AMCA would take at least 7-10 years to complete flight testing regime. Flight testing of AMCA is unlikely to be completed by 2035-37 even most optimistically. The production would take another 3-4 years, so the first units of AMCA would only enter service sometime in 2042.

 

[Akshat]

What has HAL got to do with AMCA ? Isn't ADA the sole developer ?
DRDO is the most incompetent in the ecosystem. IAF is incompetent as well. HAL can be privatised, but what about DRDO and IAF ? This is a problem of our culture developed during early days of socialism.

ADA is not the sole developer. In fact at one point more HAL scientists and engineers were working on AMCA than ADA employees. As for IAF, they have done their part in the whole thing.

 

[Akshat]

So beating expectations, approval has come in well under a year. Let’s see when ADA comes back with their bowl to ask for additional funds and time.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

ADA is not the sole developer. In fact at one point more HAL scientists and engineers were working on AMCA than ADA employees. As for IAF, they have done their part in the whole thing.

While I can't blame IAF for questioning HAL's conduct and commitment. That being said, IAF can not cover itself in glory either.

Not one person who has been following the MMRCA project has an iota of doubt that IAF has had in the past, instead of putting its weight beind Tejas, shown more inclination towards MMRCA aka Phoren Maal. It was well known, that IAF was delaying Tejas's orders over its fear that large orders of Tejas might impact MMRCA order.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

Similarly MRFA, TEDBF and other important projects must be expedited .

 

[Agar]

ADA is not the sole developer. In fact at one point more HAL scientists and engineers were working on AMCA than ADA employees. As for IAF, they have done their part in the whole thing.

drawing pictures.

 

[Agar]

Mark My word Tejas MK2 will happen by 2030 /31 & AMCA-MK1 2035.

It will take 3-4 years to get the engines, so if it happens in 2034-2035 then it’s miracle.