The global market for fifth-generation fighter jets is heating up, but India's domestically developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is noticeably absent from international partnership and export discussions, even as Turkey's Kaan fighter jet has rapidly secured potential collaborators after only a couple of test flights.
This difference in approach raises questions about India's export strategy for its advanced aircraft.
Turkey's Kaan program, led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has quickly gained international attention. The aircraft achieved its first flight in February 2024 and a second in December of the same year. While these initial flights utilized a basic prototype lacking crucial systems like radar and advanced avionics, Turkey immediately began leveraging these milestones for international outreach.
Reports indicate that countries like Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Qatar have expressed interest in joining the Kaan program. Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are also reportedly in discussions for potential co-development or procurement. Turkey, a NATO member, has positioned the Kaan as an attractive option for nations unable to acquire the American F-35, whether due to political considerations or cost.
The Kaan's selling point is its potential: a 25-ton fighter jet featuring stealth design, powered by two GE F110 engines. Turkey has a roadmap to integrate indigenous radar and weapons systems by 2030. Crucially, Turkey is offering partnership opportunities that include co-production or technology transfer, appealing to countries seeking greater control over their defense industries.
In contrast, India's AMCA, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is scheduled for its first flight in 2028. Unlike the Kaan's initial prototype, the AMCA's first flight will feature a fully integrated aircraft, including a stealth airframe, an Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, and internal weapons bays.
The AMCA is projected to be a 27-ton aircraft powered by GE F414 engines, with plans for a more powerful indigenous engine in the future.
The AMCA is designed with "5.5-generation" capabilities, including supercruise (the ability to sustain supersonic speeds without using afterburners), AI-powered sensor fusion, and a low radar cross-section for enhanced stealth.
The Indian government sanctioned ₹15,000 crore (approximately $1.8 billion USD) for the project in 2024, with plans for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to operate five squadrons (over 100 aircraft) by the mid-2030s.
Despite this comprehensive development plan, India has not yet made any significant efforts to attract international partners or buyers. The AMCA's export potential remains largely untapped, even though several countries, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Argentina, are seeking fifth-generation fighter alternatives.
These nations are often restricted from purchasing the F-35 due to cost or export controls, and may also be hesitant to acquire China's J-35A due to regional tensions.
The global demand for fifth-generation fighters is substantial, but the window of opportunity may be closing. The F-35 has secured a strong position within NATO-aligned countries, with over 1,000 delivered by 2025. China's J-35A is actively marketed to its allies.
The AMCA, with an estimated price of $100-120 million per unit, could be a competitive option for nations seeking a balance of advanced capabilities, indigenous technology, and customization options. It offers advantages over the currently less mature Kaan and Russia's Su-57, which has faced production challenges.
While India has demonstrated export success with other defense systems, such as the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) and the BrahMos missile, the AMCA lacks a similar proactive marketing strategy.
Potential customers, like Malaysia (seeking replacements for its Su-30s), Vietnam (concerned about Chinese activity in the South China Sea), and Argentina (facing restrictions on F-35 purchases), represent a significant market that India could potentially access.
Turkey's rapid progress with the Kaan is largely attributed to its early and aggressive engagement with potential partners. Turkey actively promoted the Kaan at international defense exhibitions, offering co-development opportunities to reduce financial burdens. India, in contrast, has primarily focused on fulfilling the needs of the IAF, adopting a "build-first, sell-later" approach.
Although the Kaan's initial flights were with a basic prototype, they signaled Turkey's commitment to the program. While the AMCA's 2028 debut promises a more technologically advanced aircraft, there is a risk that it may enter the market too late. China's J-35A could secure key buyers in the coming years, and Turkey's partnerships could solidify by 2030.
India's current lack of engagement could mean ceding a valuable market share to its competitors. Some experts in the Indian defense community advocate for India to be much more active in pursuing co-development and export partners, before the first flight, rather than after.
