AI-Powered Ghatak UCAV Drone to Operate Independently with AMCA MkII Oversight with Fuse Data and Adapt Strategies in Real-Time

India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkII, expected to be operational by 2032-33, is set to break new ground in aerial warfare. It will be the first fighter jet to integrate an AI-operated Heavy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) – the Ghatak – as part of a revolutionary "family of systems" approach. This innovation signifies a major leap forward in combat autonomy and aircraft-drone coordination.

The Ghatak UCAV, a 13-ton unmanned aircraft with a stealthy flying-wing design, will be a crucial component of the AMCA MkII's arsenal. Constructed with composite materials and stealth coatings, the Ghatak will have a reduced radar cross-section, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect. This UCAV will be capable of performing a variety of missions, including:

• Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD): Targeting enemy radar installations and air defence systems.
• Reconnaissance: Gathering intelligence and surveillance data.
• Precision Strikes: Acting as a mini-bomber to neutralize armored columns and critical enemy infrastructure.

While HAL is also developing smaller Loyal Wingman drones designed to support fighters, these require dedicated motherships for guidance. The AMCA MkII-Ghatak UCAV collaboration is far more advanced. The Ghatak UCAV will leverage AI-based automation to plan and execute missions independently, without constant control from the AMCA MkII mothership.

What truly distinguishes the AMCA MkII-Ghatak pairing is the level of AI integration. The Ghatak UCAV will operate with a high degree of autonomy, making mission decisions based on real-time data and analysis. Unlike current drone systems that rely on constant guidance from a mothership, the Ghatak will utilize its onboard AI to formulate flight plans and choose attack strategies with minimal human intervention.

The AI system within the AMCA MkII will continuously feed the Ghatak UCAV the necessary data to execute its missions. The two AI systems – one onboard the AMCA MkII and the other within the Ghatak UCAV – will be in constant communication, effectively "talking" to each other to fuse data and determine the best course of action in real-time. This machine-to-machine interaction will enable them to assess battlefield scenarios and adapt their strategies accordingly, ensuring optimal mission outcomes with minimal pilot intervention.

Although largely autonomous, the Ghatak UCAV will still have a human operator overseeing its activities. However, this role will primarily involve monitoring and ensuring the system operates within predefined parameters, with the AI handling the bulk of the decision-making.

The AMCA MkII itself will be a fifth-generation fighter with advanced capabilities like stealth, supercruise, and cutting-edge avionics. It will also serve as the mothership for the Ghatak UCAV, with its onboard AI system overseeing the UCAV's mission planning, target acquisition, and tactical decisions. This AI system will be regularly updated to ensure the AMCA MkII remains adaptable to evolving battlefield requirements, further strengthening its partnership with the Ghatak UCAV.

This combination of advanced fighter jet and autonomous UCAV, working together with a high degree of AI-enabled coordination, promises to revolutionize India's air combat capabilities.

 

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[tipoo2]

At least if we induct a lot of these well before AMCA is ready in squadron strength, it'll make up for the stealth strike gap somewhat

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Under the visionary leadership of the current GOI, HAL is progressing leaps and bounds. AMCA mk2 will be a game changer as have all the products developed after 2014. Best Wishes.

 

[Kailash]

Irrespective of MRCA, Mk2, AMCA, or Mk1a, we should now be able to make an unlimited number of Ghataks and mini Ghataks. This is due to the singular advantage of mastering small turbojets like STFE/Manik and Kaveri dry. Out of 42 squadrons, we must balance it with a healthy 40% UAV force, the rest being manned fighters. It is a fact that every manned fighter project is delayed or going to be delayed, especially when you are unwilling to spend real money, fast.

UAVs might save the day for the IAF and Bharat as a whole due to our bureaucratic lethargy and unwillingness to execute key defense projects in mission mode (funds + timelines). Teaming concepts are crucial in this respect.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

At least if we induct a lot of these well before AMCA is ready in squadron strength, it'll make up for the stealth strike gap somewhat

Fighter gap can't be fulfilled by UCAVs.

 

[tipoo2]

Fighter gap can't be fulfilled by UCAVs.

Didn't say fighter gap. It would allow stealth strike though.

 

[R. Singh]

Lets experience MUMT operations with SU-57 (I) and its UCAVs ! Buy 60+ Su-57(I) with MUMT tech !

 

[Sandeep]

It’s absolutely important and critical that we start manufacturing several UCAS Ghatak and the AMCA prototypes as the technology is ready and funding has already been given. After receiving the prototype the next important stage is to test the drone and the jet which will take a long time before it’s certified and ready for full scale production.

It’s also important that we give our jet and drones the flexibility in how to use them together and develop the best tactics by making it a true net centric force. At the same time we need to speed up developing our Astra IR, 2, 3 and Rudram 1, 2, 3 with different type of variants. We also need to make sure that the missiles will be compatible with the AMCA and Ghatak internal weapons bay and that they can easily fit inside and it can carry the weight.