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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[Shiva]

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.

Kindly see my reply as well, and make a comment. Let us discuss, what do you feel?

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 just need to redesign AMCA, especially when making changes to the existing AMCA design, to make the necessary changes to replace it with the AL-FP engine. Adding 100kg of additional internal fuel, we need to accommodate additional space surrounding the area that is 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.

 

[WarTech]

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.

China's real goal is oil transport from ME. So Malacca strait. So how can they distract us. Open a two-front land war. Great plan really. Navy is the most underfunded org for a long time because of this. We could have developed A&N islands long before to flex our naval might. But no such thing happened till now.

 

[Sentoki]

Kindly see my reply as well, and make a comment. Let us discuss, what do you feel?

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 just need to redesign AMCA, especially when making changes to the existing AMCA design, to make the necessary changes to replace it with the AL-FP engine. Adding 100kg of additional internal fuel, we need to accommodate additional space surrounding the area that is 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.

AL31 engine is about 1.5 times the size of GE-414 engine and almost 400kg heavier. With two engines and even 100kg per engine of additional fuel as you say AMCA will be carrying 1ton extra weight than before. That would mean significant redesign of the engine bay, under carriage, etc. it’s almost a brand new design at that point.

The AMCA has already completed CDR and now probably in the phase of tooling, jigs & fixture design and fabrication for first 4 prototypes. Doing a design change at this point will significantly delay the project by another 3-5years in addition to money spent so far going to waste. In short not going to happen.

Better to stay the course with GE-414 and continue development. Wrap up the Safran deal ASAP and start development work ASAP so that we can migrate quickly to that engine and not be held hostage by Uncle Sam.

In the meanwhile we need 114 aircrafts to increase our squadron strength and also need a 5th gen fighter faster than 11 years in our arsenal. Just combine both programs and move forward with SU-57E or SU-75 or F-35 if it is made available. I doubt the F-35 will be made available. So if govt decides to move forward with SU-57E or SU-75 it will be an interesting tight rope walk with Uncle Sam. Let’s wait and see…..

 

[Sanca]

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?

The fact that you don't see a plane flying doesn't mean they are not working on it and it doesn't have quality standards. Nothing funny about that, you don't want 'Made in China' quality.

 

[Lasenggo]

The fact that you don't see a plane flying doesn't mean they are not working on it and it doesn't have quality standards. Nothing funny about that, you don't want 'Made in China' quality.

You clearly don't get the point or are blinded by your patriotism.

1. Making claim the if F-35 was offered it will still arrive later than the AMCA. Realistically how far away is AMCA? Let's look at history, Tejas first flight was 2001 but was only inducted 2016, that's 15 years. Let's say the F-35 was offered next year, do you realistically believe that it will not arrive until after 2040?

2. The article claims that India is focused in quality as opposed to rushed acquisition is the funniest because it is clearly another excuse for the delays in the projects. Again let's look at history, when did Tejas actually start? I'm sure no matter how patriotic you are, you know of when the Tejas program started. After that very very very long program HAL just ended up creating a plane that is on par with the FA-50 of the South Koreans or arguably the JF-17 if the Chinese which took far shorter gime. No Tejas would even be flying now if it wasn't for the decision to finally get the F-404 engines. It's not focus on quality that's making India's project take long time, it's poor planning and execution.

 

[Sanca]

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.

I like the 'someone said' comments. And of course we have to assume that the 'someone' who said it is not a fool.

Even Hezbollah is making 'something that can fly'. The AMCA is another level of flying. I'm sure the newest Chinese copycat of the F-35 is better than their first stealth fighter, but it is indeed untested. The fact that Pakistan is acquiring it before the Chinese use it in their own air force usually means it's junk.

 

[Sanca]

You clearly don't get the point or are blinded by your patriotism.

1. Making claim the if F-35 was offered it will still arrive later than the AMCA. Realistically how far away is AMCA? Let's look at history, Tejas first flight was 2001 but was only inducted 2016, that's 15 years. Let's say the F-35 was offered next year, do you realistically believe that it will not arrive until after 2040?

2. The article claims that India is focused in quality as opposed to rushed acquisition is the funniest because it is clearly another excuse for the delays in the projects. Again let's look at history, when did Tejas actually start? I'm sure no matter how patriotic you are, you know of when the Tejas program started. After that very very very long program HAL just ended up creating a plane that is on par with the FA-50 of the South Koreans or arguably the JF-17 if the Chinese which took far shorter gime. No Tejas would even be flying now if it wasn't for the decision to finally get the F-404 engines. It's not focus on quality that's making India's project take long time, it's poor planning and execution.

You state your opinions and you want me to aknowlegde them as facts, I don't think so.

Don't compare 2024 with the year 2000, to produce a marvel like the AMCA you need an industrial base for precision tools that just wasn't there. The engine is a challenge and there are several alternatives, so let the people in charge decide.

 

[Sandeep]

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

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

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.

No because I’m highlighting the problems and issues with their technology.

Also the Tejas jets are complete and getting manufactured. For Tejas MK2 and AMCA they are building the prototypes which should be completed soon.

Also we are looking at possibly buying a few if they are in good service in the short term which will give us time to manufacture our indigenous jets. They aren’t exactly junk either because it’s technology and capabilities are still advanced and work like we proved in the Balakot strike with our Mirage jets.

 

[Lasenggo]

You state your opinions and you want me to aknowlegde them as facts, I don't think so.

Don't compare 2024 with the year 2000, to produce a marvel like the AMCA you need an industrial base for precision tools that just wasn't there. The engine is a challenge and there are several alternatives, so let the people in charge decide.

There's no helping it if you're blinded by your patriotism. At least my as you call it "opinion" are backed up by reality unlike your wishful thinking that "people in charge" will do better. Just look at at how the people in charge are handling the Tejas Mk1A.