Opinion AMCA is the Only Viable 5th Gen Fighter Option for India as Foreign Fighters Fall Short of India's Needs or Remain Unavailable

The international conversation surrounding 5th generation fighter jets has resurfaced discussions regarding India's options to strengthen its air force, particularly in light of reports that Pakistan is acquiring the J-35A.

Amidst this discourse, one fact remains clear: India's domestically developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is not merely a necessity, but the only practical choice for a true 5th generation fighter.

Several factors contribute to this conclusion. Firstly, foreign fighters marketed as 5th generation often fail to meet the stringent requirements of such a designation.

Russia's Su-57 Felon, for example, suffers from compromised stealth capabilities due to exposed engine compressor blades. This design flaw significantly increases its radar cross-section (RCS), making it far less stealthy than advertised and falling short of the low observability standards expected of a true 5th generation aircraft.

Furthermore, incorporating the Su-57 into the Indian Air Force (IAF) would present logistical and compatibility challenges, as the IAF is transitioning towards systems that prioritize interoperability and indigenous platforms.

While the US F-35 is undeniably a technological marvel, it presents an unrealistic option for India. The US maintains strict export controls, particularly for advanced defence technologies. Even if offered, existing delays in F-35 deliveries to NATO allies suggest that timely acquisition by India is improbable.

Similarly, relying on nations with conflicting geopolitical interests is not a viable strategy for India. Turkey's indigenous 5th generation program (TF-X) is years away from completion, and China's offerings, such as the J-20, are out of the question.

South Korea's KF-21 Boramae, while an interesting development, currently remains a 4.5 generation fighter. Though promising, it is still in the testing phase and lacks operational readiness. Relying on the KF-21 for India's immediate defence needs would be akin to gambling on an unfinished project with uncertain outcomes.

In contrast, India's AMCA project is specifically designed to fulfill the IAF's requirements while ensuring self-reliance in defence technology. With its inaugural flight anticipated in the early 2028s, the AMCA offers several advantages.

It is tailored to India's specific operational needs and integrates seamlessly with existing and planned IAF infrastructure. Furthermore, the AMCA program strengthens India's domestic aerospace industry, fostering technological expertise and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

While Pakistan's acquisition of the J-35A – a naval variant of China's FC-31 Gyrfalcon – is noteworthy, it does not fundamentally alter the strategic landscape. The J-35A's true 5th generation capabilities remain questionable, as it is yet to be proven in real combat scenarios.

India's emphasis on quality over hasty acquisitions ensures a long-term strategic advantage. With meticulous planning and sustained investment, the AMCA will guarantee India remains at the forefront of aerial dominance.

 

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[Radium]

India spent 40 years manufacturing three generations of fighter jets, and I believe in India's craftsmanship spirit. India will produce five generations of fighter jets in the same way and time.

 

[R. Singh]

We should buy 60-80 Su-57(I) with India required upgrades ,and make 126+ F-15EX-II jointly with Boeing and upgrade it to near F-35 capabilities !

 

[sanket]

AMCA has no option at the moment. Second, the F-35 will not have the same offer as Rafale or Su-57. The US will never start an F-35 assembly line in India with an ecosystem and export from India. Only two countries can do that: France and Russia. While Dassault, at the moment, doesn't have a 5th-gen jet, for a stopgap arrangement, the only option is Su-57 or Su-75. The picture will be clear by January 2025 with Putin's visit and Aero India, showing what Russia offers with Make in India, plus export and local assembly lines. The next 6 months are crucial. AMCA will be ready by 2035; the wait is for almost a decade, and MRFA is also likely to start contributing only by 2030. Until then, to fill the gap, a few squadrons of Su-57, if possible, are an option instead of the 72 Su-30 MKI offer or HAL KF-21 4.5 gen. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. Eyes opener for fanboys! Comedians who were entertaining the forum with India should join the 4.5 gen fighter jet club of South Korea.

 

[ramdas]

The rollout of the AMCA by 2028 seems unrealistic. Even the engine deal won't be finalized in time for that schedule, let alone the manufacturing process. Before criticizing others, it's important to reflect on your own mistakes, especially when claiming that the AMCA will be superior to the F-35. This all feels like a lot of empty talk. The United States is likely to delay the engines, which could frustrate these plans, so we should be prepared for any eventualities.

 

[Lasenggo]

There are a few very funny things said on this article. First it's as if AMCA is already a sure thing, even claiming that it'll arrive earlier than F-35 if it was ever offered. Where's the flying prototype for AMCA now?

This is the funniest though "India's focus on quality over rushed acquisition". Where is this quality?

 

[Sentoki]

By DRDO's own timeline, AMCA will not be ready for induction until 2035. That's 11 years away from today. Makes no sense to wait on AMCA even as a fan & supporter of self reliance & indigenous development.

Just dump the MRFA tamasha and buy 114 SU-57s or SU-75 with domestic assembly. Even at their worst as a fifth generation fighter, they are still on a par or better than the Rafale and crucially it buys us some time to work on the AMCA program.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Even if AMCAs first flight happens in 2028, it will take atleast 10 years for development, prototype testing, weapon trial, certifications, user evaluation and clearances. Further 3-4 years for cost negotiations and production. We must either have some 5G platforms till that time or our jets and ground based stations should have capability to detect enemy 5G jets early. For the sake of autonomy do not consider USA s platform even though they may be technically superior. Have a tieup with Israel to develop 5G detection kits which can be integrated with our AESA radars.

 

[nagendra simha]

So the only logical choice is AMCA, and AMCA's problem is the engine. So invest heavily in the engine, put all your resources, money, industry, and scientific community into being able to have a competitive engine. Make this a mission statement. Make this a national task. Never give up.

 

[P.K Senapati]

Su57 from Russia is a temporary solution to meet urgent requirement as Pakisthan is getting J35 from China.
Indigenious twin engined AMCA is final solution but it's engine is not developed.
Also single engined joint development and make in India Su75 with Russia can go parallel with AMCA.

 

[Venugopal Kesavan]

The way you are putting it it looks like we should wait and watch till our team learns and bring out something. But as we have seen over the years such waiting will not help and our adversaries would march on leaving us far far behind. If you are critising immediate purchase of aircraft how long can the country be expected to wait? Look at all our armaments. They have been purchased from elsewhere or made in collaboration with another country. So while waiting for the AMCA to arrive we should get the latest and best possible from whichever source it is available.

 

[vinod nair]

Defence of the country can't be held captive for at least 10 years, and further, we don't have the engines for the same. We are still in talks with our not-so-trustworthy Western allies (see F404), so to expect them to change their behavior drastically is to fool ourselves. We have no choice other than having Su-57 with ToT, including engines. We should ask Russia to develop a replacement engine for the F404 with the same dimensions and weight, with more thrust and FDAC, with local assembly.

 

[skgs]

15 years wasted simply by talking about AMCA. Another 15-20 years will be likely wasted in similar way without any result. That’s the way of life in India, happy with cheap talks with no action. J35A is coming to hostile neighbour in next 2 years. No other choice for India other than getting su57 from Russia. Simply no other choice for next 20 years.

 

[Sunny]

We should go for around 60-80 SU-57, maybe direct purchase with some TOT. While AMCA will be the ultimate solution we should not wait as it's still a decade away from induction and another decade till we have it in sufficient numbers. SU-57 will be more than enough for J-20 and J-35 till then.

 

[Rama Hota]

Only two options are available: F-35 or Su-57. Time is running out. The IAF urgently needs a minimum of 36 or 54 of these two 5th-generation fighters. No one will give 5th-generation fighter TOT.

 

[Supreet Singh]

Su57 from Russia is a temporary solution to meet urgent requirement as Pakisthan is getting J35 from China.
Indigenious twin engined AMCA is final solution but it's engine is not developed.
Also single engined joint development and make in India Su75 with Russia can go parallel with AMCA.

Agreed, Su57 should only be temporary. I'd say get 6 squadrons of Su57 as soon as possible and rest 6/7 squadrons either we acquire SAAB Grippen to make it faster or just wait the US play game on GE Engines.

 

[123Stormtrooper]

AMCA is the only way forward. Look at the way Russians treat us. Three Mi-26 helicopters have not flown in two decades and have become museum pieces at Chandigarh. Half our Su-30 fleet is always grounded. Look at the serviceability of Russian equipment and platforms. It is pathetic. We must not buy any more Russian weapons. Total detox from Russian weapons. Just increase nuclear warheads to 3000 and build assured capability to deliver them to the top 200 Chinese cities.

 

[123Stormtrooper]

If koreanese and turkeys can build stealth fighters in 3 years ...why cant we.....why? Why?

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

I just cannot understand some people are are still so focused on acquiring Su-57 even after assessment that the fighter aircraft is not really what it is being hyped up by the makers for marketing purposes. I think the makers are desperate to recoup the money they have heavily invested in the project. Once bitten twice shy, therefore the Indian Air Force top brass should know better from the past bad experiences with the makers.

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

Someone said, real nationalism accepts errors and improves, but fake nationalism hides mistakes and thus pays heavy price in the future.

Author of this article relies too much on skepticism of J-35. This type of stereotype has to be avoid if one seeks to make neutràl analysis. It doesn't matter whether it is 4.5 or 5 gen, what matters is our depleting Sq. and imbroglios plaguing our weapon programs.

By relying on "J-35 may not be true 5 gen.....not battle tested", here author is engaging in sour grapes rationalisation and appeal to ambiguity. Classic example of 'if u don't have similar kind of thing, then be skeptic enough to dismiss or discredit it's usability.'

Kid, atleast China is making something that can fly and us witnessing rotting away of jets.

 

[Sandeep]

Someone said, real nationalism accepts errors and improves, but fake nationalism hides mistakes and thus pays heavy price in the future.

Author of this article relies too much on skepticism of J-35. This type of stereotype has to be avoid if one seeks to make neutràl analysis. It doesn't matter whether it is 4.5 or 5 gen, what matters is our depleting Sq. and imbroglios plaguing our weapon programs.

By relying on "J-35 may not be true 5 gen.....not battle tested", here author is engaging in sour grapes rationalisation and appeal to ambiguity. Classic example of 'if u don't have similar kind of thing, then be skeptic enough to dismiss or discredit it's usability.'

Kid, atleast China is making something that can fly and us witnessing rotting away of jets.

This has nothing to do with being a sceptic or having a stereotype. The Chinese jet isn’t a true 5th generation jet at all and its problems and issues are based on facts and science. Also we are developing our own jets that we developed and innovated indigenously and not make dodgy copies and junk fighters.

 

[Sandeep]

If koreanese and turkeys can build stealth fighters in 3 years ...why cant we.....why? Why?

They haven’t developed all of the parts, components and technology by themselves and they bought and imported it off the shelf from the USA and Europe. We are developing everything by ourselves except for the engine and without any partners help. There’s a big difference.

 

[Sandeep]

AMCA is the only way forward. Look at the way Russians treat us. Three Mi-26 helicopters have not flown in two decades and have become museum pieces at Chandigarh. Half our Su-30 fleet is always grounded. Look at the serviceability of Russian equipment and platforms. It is pathetic. We must not buy any more Russian weapons. Total detox from Russian weapons. Just increase nuclear warheads to 3000 and build assured capability to deliver them to the top 200 Chinese cities.

The MI26 are waiting to get overhauled and upgraded as soon as a deal is signed.

As for the Sukhoi jets the technology, parts and components are over 30 years old so of course it seems like junk when comparing it with modern day fighters. But they still work very well as during the balakot skirmish they launched several of the USA advanced and latest BVR missiles but our Sukhoi jets evaded and jammed several of their missiles together or intercepted it with chaff.

 

[Sandeep]

Ideally India's AMCA programme should continue, but it should be not 5th but 6th generation endeavour. But till it's ready and inducted it would be well near 2035 or even more going by the track record of HAL Till such time we would be lagging far behind China and even Pakistan. Moreover one thing needs to be kept in mind that by 2035 5th generation fighters would have compete with 6th generation fighters jets.

But the big question is till such time when the AMCA fructifies we would have no stealth technology.. In order to have a stop gap solution we need to have the Russian SU 57, provided Russia doesn't have a supply chain issue and at that too 4 squadrons of SU 57. This should be ideal route taken by Indian Airforce.

 

[Jagroshan singh]

I just don't understand why China is willing to give their J-35 to Pakistan, because doing this would invite Indian to explore getting stealth platform more aggresively, which would become headache for Chinese as that platform will also get deployed along China border.

 

[Jagroshan singh]

AMCA is the only way forward. Look at the way Russians treat us. Three Mi-26 helicopters have not flown in two decades and have become museum pieces at Chandigarh. Half our Su-30 fleet is always grounded. Look at the serviceability of Russian equipment and platforms. It is pathetic. We must not buy any more Russian weapons. Total detox from Russian weapons. Just increase nuclear warheads to 3000 and build assured capability to deliver them to the top 200 Chinese cities.

What about Bhramos missile system, it is also brainchild of Russia only? Bhramos has successful become mainstay of our military.

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

This has nothing to do with being a sceptic or having a stereotype. The Chinese jet isn’t a true 5th generation jet at all and its problems and issues are based on facts and science. Also we are developing our own jets that we developed and innovated indigenously and not make dodgy copies and junk fighters.

If ain't skepticism then where is the evidence to prove ur claim? We also need evidence to back up claims that theirs is junk fighter. Whatever u said are just assertions, and assertions are not fact. You have not seen article where Indian IAF veterans praised built quality and fit and finish but u are blaming it here as "dodgy copies and junk fighters" from thousand miles away inside the comfort of ur home. If this is not stereotyping then what else?

If I am not mistaken, u have biased mentality that makes u believe that all Chinese weapons are junks and can't be used in battlefields, right?

 

[Bharat007]

This has nothing to do with being a sceptic or having a stereotype.

when one points out only weakness but refuses to acknowledge strengths, judges whole on the basis of some fault then it's stereotype.

The Chinese jet isn’t a true 5th generation jet at all and its problems and issues are based on facts and science.

problems are everywhere, they may not be 5th gen but they're improving na. We have bigger problems than them.

Also we are developing our own jets that we developed and innovated indigenously and not make dodgy copies and junk fighters.

Our Tejas program is in limbo, AMCA is in paper format. Yet Chinese planes are already flying, so they are not junk. Our is junk as of now. Remember, who is shopping for plane scraps in Qatar.

 

[Atharva Khalatkar]

I agree that AMCA is going to take at least 11 years and is still on paper, but we do accept that the Su-57 has some flaws, which was one reason why the IAF withdrew from FGFA. Any large order can't be given until the IAF gives the thumbs up after addressing all its requirements.

 

[Shiva]

This is an absurd conclusion.

Common sense shows that the AL-FP engine with 100kg of extra internal fuel is far superior to AMCA in terms of performance, maneuverability, dogfighting skills, and range.

The only issue, stealth, can already be addressed with new technology India has already developed. It just needs to be tested. We need to redesign AMCA, especially when making changes to the existing design, to replace it with the AL-FP engine, adding 100kg of additional internal fuel, and accommodating additional space surrounding the area causing heat/radar signatures. This additional space will not be in touch with the heating system, and this space will be used by the new technology. So, it is just a matter of 3 to 6 months to make these changes.

Then, the new product will be far superior to the existing one.

So, definitely, there is an alternative. No one can say AMCA is the only option.