India is strategically adjusting its roadmap for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to ensure industrial steady-state while waiting for a high-thrust indigenous engine to mature.
Recent reports indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering nearly doubling its initial order of the Mk1 variant to maintain production momentum and supply chain stability.
Strategic Shift in Production Planning
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently indicated that a joint venture with France’s Safran to develop a 120 kN engine is expected to receive approval this year.However, as this advanced powerplant is not projected for operational service until approximately 2038, the IAF is looking to bridge the gap.
To avoid a "production lull," the Air Force is evaluating an increase in Mk1 orders from the original 40 aircraft to potentially 60 or 80 units. These initial stealth fighters will be powered by the proven General Electric F414 engine.
Benefits of an Expanded Mk1 Fleet
Increasing the volume of the Mk1 variant serves several critical industrial and operational purposes:- Supply Chain Maturity: Continuous production ensures that domestic suppliers and skilled technicians remain engaged, preventing the loss of technical expertise during the long development cycle of the Mk2.
- Cost Reduction: Higher production numbers allow for better economies of scale, reducing the individual unit cost of each stealth fighter.
- Operational Readiness: Additional Mk1 aircraft provide the IAF with fifth-generation capabilities—including stealth geometry and advanced electronic warfare suites—sooner, rather than waiting for the more powerful Mk2.
Timeline and Manufacturing Rhythm
Current projections place the AMCA Mk1 into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) by 2034.Initial plans suggest a starting output of eight aircraft per year, with the capacity to double that rate based on demand.
By extending the Mk1 production run, India creates a "technological hedge." If the development of the 120 kN engine faces unforeseen delays—a common challenge in high-end aerospace engineering—the IAF will still have a growing fleet of modern stealth fighters entering service.
Bridging the Gap to AMCA Mk2
The AMCA Mk2 is envisioned as a significant leap in performance, centered entirely around the new indigenous engine.This phased approach mirrors strategies used by global aerospace powers, where a stable platform is upgraded as specific technologies, like propulsion or sensors, reach maturity.
| Feature | AMCA Mk1 | AMCA Mk2 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | GE F414 (approx. 90-98 kN) | Indigenous JV Engine (120 kN) |
| Status | Planned for 2034 Production | Development / Late 2030s |
| Primary Focus | Stealth, Avionics, Industrial Base | Supercruise, Enhanced Thrust |
Supporting National Defence Goals
This expansion underscores a broader philosophy in India’s defence strategy: prioritizing the health of the domestic aerospace ecosystem.By aligning procurement with the reality of engine development timelines, the IAF ensures that its journey toward a stealth-capable fleet remains both technologically ambitious and industrially resilient.
