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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ambitious plans for its acquisition of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's indigenous 5th-generation stealth fighter jet.
Sources indicate that the IAF intends to initially procure two squadrons of the AMCA MkI, powered by the F-414 engine, and four squadrons of the more advanced AMCA MkII, equipped with a new 110kN thrust engine.
However, this is just the beginning of a long-term vision that aims to expand the AMCA fleet to at least 300 units by 2045.
The AMCA program received a major boost earlier this year with clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The first flight of the AMCA MkI is slated for 2028, with production expected to commence by 2033.
The more advanced AMCA MkII, featuring the indigenous 110kN engine developed in collaboration with a foreign aerospace company, is expected to take its first flight in 2034. The IAF has identified the MkII as the backbone of its future fighter fleet, eventually replacing aging platforms like the Su-30MKI.
The initial acquisition of six squadrons represents the first phase of the IAF's long-term vision for the AMCA. As the MkII variant matures, the IAF plans to induct more squadrons based on this configuration, progressively expanding its fleet to around 300 units by 2045. This expansion will coincide with the phasing out of the Su-30MKI, which has been a mainstay of the IAF's air superiority fleet since the early 2000s.
The AMCA is expected to significantly enhance the IAF's overall combat capability. Its stealth design, supercruise capability, and advanced avionics will allow it to penetrate heavily defended airspace and perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, strike, and electronic warfare.
The IAF's procurement plans indicate a commitment to the AMCA as a long-term platform that will be continuously upgraded with futuristic technologies. Enhancements being considered for future versions include Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities.
DEWs, such as laser and microwave weapons, are expected to revolutionize air combat by neutralizing enemy missiles, drones, and aircraft with pinpoint accuracy. MUM-T capabilities will allow the AMCA to operate in conjunction with unmanned aircraft, further expanding the IAF's operational reach and flexibility.
In another significant development, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which is leading the AMCA program, has reportedly offered to develop an unmanned version of the AMCA. This proposal is under consideration by the IAF, which recognizes the growing importance of unmanned combat aircraft in future warfare.
An unmanned AMCA could operate in high-risk environments, perform long-endurance missions without risking pilots, and potentially be integrated with AI and autonomous systems for independent or coordinated operations.
The AMCA program represents a major step towards self-reliance in advanced aerospace technology for India. With its ambitious procurement plans and focus on future upgrades, the IAF is clearly positioning the AMCA as a cornerstone of its future air power capabilities.
