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?