Critical Urgency Stressed for India's AMCA Development as Relevance Window Narrows with Accelerating 6th-Gen Programs Globally

India's programme to develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), envisioned as a 5.5-generation stealth fighter, is facing increased scrutiny as leading global aerospace nations push forward with highly advanced sixth-generation fighter projects.

Amid this rapidly evolving technological landscape, Air Marshal S.B.P. Sinha (Retd.), a former Deputy Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has asserted the continued importance of the AMCA, highlighting that it was designed specifically to meet India's unique strategic requirements rather than compete directly with speculative future aircraft like the conceptual F-47 or J-36 often discussed in defence circles.

However, the acceleration of next-generation fighter concepts worldwide introduces a pressing challenge. Experts suggest the timeframe for the AMCA to maintain its peak operational significance is diminishing, placing critical importance on India rapidly advancing the aircraft's development and production phases to ensure its competitiveness in future air combat scenarios.

Air Marshal Sinha, drawing on his extensive experience with the IAF's modernisation efforts, emphasizes that the AMCA's primary value proposition is its tailored capability for India's operational context.

In recent remarks, he explained the AMCA aims to provide the IAF with dominance in regional airspace, seamless integration with indigenous systems such as the Uttam radar and Astra missile, and effective operation within contested environments.

He dismissed comparisons with potential sixth-generation platforms from the US or China as premature, stating, "The AMCA is about capability, not competition with platforms that don’t yet exist in operational form."

Despite this focus on national needs, the global military aviation sector is undergoing significant transformation. Nations including the United States (with its Next Generation Air Dominance - NGAD program), the United Kingdom and partners (developing Tempest/Global Combat Air Programme), and China (with its rumoured J-XX projects) are actively pursuing sixth-generation technologies.

These future concepts often include features like artificial intelligence (AI)-driven autonomous functions, advanced networking, directed-energy capabilities, and the flexibility of being optionally manned. The progress in these programs, alongside advancements by regional players like Turkey and South Korea in sophisticated aircraft development, potentially narrows the technological advantage India seeks.

This global push towards the next generation underscores a potential risk tied to the AMCA's development schedule. Recent clearance by India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March 2024 sanctioned the development of AMCA prototypes, a crucial step forward.

However, current projections anticipate the first flight of the AMCA Mk1 around 2028-2029, with squadron induction potentially starting in the mid-2030s. The more advanced Mk2 version aims for full operational capability by 2040. This timeline carries the risk of overlapping significantly with the expected entry into service of sixth-generation fighters globally, which could impact the AMCA's relative capability upon its wider deployment.

Air Marshal Sinha expresses confidence in the AMCA's eventual contribution, viewing it not as an attempt to match global competitors but as a vital asset tailored for India's defence needs over the next three decades. He envisions the AMCA acting as a force multiplier, networked with India's drones, Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), and missile defence infrastructure.

Nevertheless, he stressed that efficient and timely execution is paramount, concluding, "We have the talent and the vision. Now we need speed."

 

IAF to Equip 84 Su-30MKI with Indigenous Virupaksha GaN-based AESA Radar Starting 2026, Countering Stealth Threats from China-Pak

Jharkhand Jaguar Constable Killed, CRPF Jawan Critically Injured Following Naxalite IED Blast in West Singhbhum Forest

[sanket]

Engine yet to sign with foreign partner which is yet to be selected.

 

[Somebody]

Absolutely, it will take at-least 10+ years in reality.

 

[FIDA INDIA]

Fifth and sixth generation aircrafts should have indigenous engine. The engine program is lagging. Hope to see some direction and clarity after 3-4 years.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

World is moving very fast. Time to conceptualize 6th gen jet as well. So that after 7-8 years of AMCA development, we also launch our own 6th gen jet.

We must compete with China and not with gutter chaap jihadi neighbours. We have lot of ground to cover. Give more push to R&D. Promote industry academia tie up. Maybe like Ashwini Vaishnav have a dedicated minister, who can promote R&D at university and industry level.

Bring in scale and more money in aerospace (civilian and military) and jet engines. This will have multi fold benefits. We are successful in making 4.5 KN turbofan engine but not bigger ones. Incentivize pvt companies to make 10, 15 and 20 KN engines. Use them in drones, missiles, trainer aircraft etc. Incentivize HAL to co develop HTFE with pvt companies.

 

[SURESH RAO]

New age fighter jets will be different. In future, manned fighter jets will be accompanied by unmanned fighter jets. So, if countries are developing or buying 4.5 gen fighter jets, then they have to simultaneously plan for unmanned ones which will fly along with these 4.5 gen fighter jets. Same is the case with 5th gen fighter jets. They should be designed to be accompanied by unmanned fighter jets or loyal wingmen.

 

[SURESH RAO]

Engine yet to sign with foreign partner which is yet to be selected.

Engine will be GE 414 with 98 kN and 110-120 kN thrust

 

[Preet]

We all know it has to be fast-tracked, and we all know the Su-57 we aren't buying, the F-35 we aren't getting, and AMCA is our only hope. And yet, I see zero absolute zero push by the Government for fast-tracking. I see no war footing steps, "khadde mei gaye" 2025 defence reforms, and if these regular monthly crashes can't wake up our Government, nothing can. If these guys were serious, even 1%, we would have seen the GE414 deal done, the 110kN engine deal done, and ADA/HAL being pushed to the core to make AMCA fly by 2026-27 (rather than this stupid 2028-29). But I see nothing happening.

 

[Leo red]

At least this one everyone agrees. Bhai, no matter we accept we are slow, but at least speed up. In the meantime, buy fighters with MRFA.

 

[Himesh1]

By the time AMCA is a reality, 6th gen fighters of the dragon might be in the sky. AMCA should be targeted as 6th generation to remain operationally relevant for the next 3 to 4 decades.

 

[Mr Raj]

We will develop 7th generation Fighter directly.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Mark my words, in 20 years from now, either we will have a privately owned HAL, or an IAF forced to acquire Su-57 into its squadron fleet. It will never be both of the two.

 

[kumar]

Bring the program under PMO. And for gods sake, finalize the engine.

 

[SURESH RAO]

Today in IAF, one squadron means 18-20 MANNED FIGHTER JETS.

In future one squadron will become 4 MANNED FIGHTER JETS and 16 UNMANNED FIGHTER JETS

 

[SURESH RAO]

World is moving very fast. Time to conceptualize 6th gen jet as well. So that after 7-8 years of AMCA development, we also launch our own 6th gen jet.

We must compete with China and not with gutter chaap jihadi neighbours. We have lot of ground to cover. Give more push to R&D. Promote industry academia tie up. Maybe like Ashwini Vaishnav have a dedicated minister, who can promote R&D at university and industry level.

Bring in scale and more money in aerospace (civilian and military) and jet engines. This will have multi fold benefits. We are successful in making 4.5 KN turbofan engine but not bigger ones. Incentivize pvt companies to make 10, 15 and 20 KN engines. Use them in drones, missiles, trainer aircraft etc. Incentivize HAL to co develop HTFE with pvt companies.

Not 4.5 kN engine. We are successful in developing 45 kN dry thrust Kaveri Engine. And now Godrej has already developed Kaveri Derived Engine (KDE) with 50 kN dry thrust. This will be used for GHATAK UNMANNED AERIAL COMBAT JET

 

[Sandeep]

We all know it has to be fast-tracked, and we all know the Su-57 we aren't buying, the F-35 we aren't getting, and AMCA is our only hope. And yet, I see zero absolute zero push by the Government for fast-tracking. I see no war footing steps, "khadde mei gaye" 2025 defence reforms, and if these regular monthly crashes can't wake up our Government, nothing can. If these guys were serious, even 1%, we would have seen the GE414 deal done, the 110kN engine deal done, and ADA/HAL being pushed to the core to make AMCA fly by 2026-27 (rather than this stupid 2028-29). But I see nothing happening.

How is the government at fault if companies fail to provide what was promised and agreed to?

Also how is it the government fault when the military haven’t even cleared which company to manufacture the 5th generation stealth engines?

 

[Sandeep]

Currently the companies are manufacturing the AMCA prototype jets and it will take time as it’s got to be made correctly and properly so we should see the first few jets in a couple of years time. This will also give the industry more time in creating the manufacturing capabilities, infrastructure and supply chains on a larger scale while they run the prototype tests and trials.

Also it’s better that we actually develop a true 5th generation jet and not some botched up fake stealth jet from China. Our 20yr old Sukhoi jets can easily see and pick out their jets from across the border in Ladakh. We are also going to upgrade the Sukhoi jets by next year which will enhance our firepower and jet capabilities even more.

 

[BCharlie]

Engine will be GE 414 with 98 kN and 110-120 kN thrust

Great; but Amrika is thinking how much more money they want to add to make us see that they are thinking of giving the engine to us.. After Amriki Tarriffs in place, price now would be almost 70% higher, if not double;

 

[Enforcer]

I want to point out, IF Japanese are offering a deal in 5th gen collaboration, it could be worth it. They are also developing their own engine to end dependence on Americans.

 

[Gajanan Hirde]

So, what do you or the ADA want us to do? Why no decision is taken yet? There's enough of delay.

 

[Akshat]

We all know it has to be fast-tracked, and we all know the Su-57 we aren't buying, the F-35 we aren't getting, and AMCA is our only hope. And yet, I see zero absolute zero push by the Government for fast-tracking. I see no war footing steps, "khadde mei gaye" 2025 defence reforms, and if these regular monthly crashes can't wake up our Government, nothing can. If these guys were serious, even 1%, we would have seen the GE414 deal done, the 110kN engine deal done, and ADA/HAL being pushed to the core to make AMCA fly by 2026-27 (rather than this stupid 2028-29). But I see nothing happening.

GE F414 deal is being renegotiated for higher indigenous content. But what's the use? There is no Tejas Mk2 and no AMCA. Engines for prototype of Mk2 have already been delivered to us. And Tejas Mk2 ain't going into production till 2040 (super optimistic scenario). So we have tons of time to negotiate for F414. It ain't going anywhere.

Coming to 110 kN engine. The deadline was anyways the current fiscal. And as per (unnamed and unofficial) reports I have read, we have finalized Safran and almost everything has been negotiated. The final negotiations now are revolving around setting up of research capacity at university level. So the deal is very very comprehensive. France has agreed to create institutional capacity in India for any such future endeavors. And this was a month or 2 back, so probably even that might have been agreed upon by now. So that can also be signed any moment.

 

[Akshat]

How is the government at fault if companies fail to provide what was promised and agreed to?

Also how is it the government fault when the military haven’t even cleared which company to manufacture the 5th generation stealth engines?

Military doesn't choose which company will manufacture the 5th generation stealth engines (whatever that means). It is DRDO's responsibility (if R&D is involved) or MoD's procurement department's job (if it's a direct tender without any ToT and R&D effort).

 

[Sandeep]

Military doesn't choose which company will manufacture the 5th generation stealth engines (whatever that means). It is DRDO's responsibility (if R&D is involved) or MoD's procurement department's job (if it's a direct tender without any ToT and R&D effort).

It means that obviously we need a foreign company’s help for the 5th generation engine. But the military/MoD officials would obviously start preliminary discussions with Safran, GE and RR to look at what type of engine we want, technology requirements, ToT, local production etc. They will then decide on the best possible engine they want and prefer and then the government can finally decide and negotiate a potential deal.

 

[Akshat]

It means that obviously we need a foreign company’s help for the 5th generation engine. But the military/MoD officials would obviously start preliminary discussions with Safran, GE and RR to look at what type of engine we want, technology requirements, ToT, local production etc. They will then decide on the best possible engine they want and prefer and then the government can finally decide and negotiate a potential deal.

Nope. That's not done by military. Military only gives PSQRs for the final weapon system. That means AMCA. They will tell them that they need a plane meant for stealth, with internal weapons bay, this much MTOW etc. Based on that, it is DRDO which will design the plane and decide what kind of engine is required. Then DRDO will discuss and negotiate with the foreign entity, probably via a tender. MoD might get involved at the last step to discuss costs and legal aspects. IAF/military is not involved in this entire process. Nowhere.

 

[Sandeep]

Nope. That's not done by military. Military only gives PSQRs for the final weapon system. That means AMCA. They will tell them that they need a plane meant for stealth, with internal weapons bay, this much MTOW etc. Based on that, it is DRDO which will design the plane and decide what kind of engine is required. Then DRDO will discuss and negotiate with the foreign entity, probably via a tender. MoD might get involved at the last step to discuss costs and legal aspects. IAF/military is not involved in this entire process. Nowhere.

I’m not talking about the jet. I’m talking about the engine only. Military and MoD officials will obviously have preliminary/informal discussions with foreign companies to discuss the technology, capabilities, metallurgy, costs, ToT, IPR etc. The government ministers aren’t experts and they usually come involved at the middle/end stage mainly when a deal is mainly worked out.