India Sets Sight on Indigenous 6th Gen Fighter Jets to Replace Aging Su-30MKI Fleet from Mid-2040s

In a move to maintain its air superiority in the coming decades, India is embarking on an ambitious plan to develop an indigenous 6th generation fighter jet. This advanced aircraft is intended to replace the older Su-30MKI fighters, the current backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), starting in the mid-2040s.

The Su-30MKI fleet, inducted in the early 2000s, has been a cornerstone of the IAF's combat capabilities. However, with the rapid pace of technological advancement and the evolving nature of aerial warfare, these aircraft are predicted to become outdated by the mid-2040s. Recognizing this, India is proactively laying the groundwork for a next-generation fighter that can meet the challenges of future conflicts.

This initiative comes as India is already developing its 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with induction planned for 2033-35. The 6th generation fighter represents a significant leap forward, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as advanced stealth capabilities, autonomous flight functions, artificial intelligence integration, and sophisticated sensor systems. These features are crucial for maintaining air dominance in a future battlespace characterized by drones, hypersonic weapons, and advanced electronic warfare.

By the 2040s, atleast 100 units India's strong Su-30MKI fleet will be nearing the end of its operational life. While upgrades have extended their service life and maintained their combat relevance for now, they will eventually be unable to keep pace with the demands of future warfare. The development of a 6th generation fighter as a replacement underscores India's commitment to long-term air superiority in the region.

Developing such an advanced aircraft presents significant technological and financial hurdles. The success of the ongoing AMCA program will be a critical factor in determining India's ability to undertake this complex endeavor. International collaborations, similar to the US and UK's joint development of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and Tempest fighters, may prove essential in achieving this ambitious goal.

This strategic decision reflects India's growing emphasis on self-reliance in defense technology and its determination to maintain a cutting-edge air force capable of addressing future security challenges.

 

[R. Singh]

ADA(DRDO) should be pro active, 5th gen and 6th gen fighter development must be on simultaneously ! Its not when 5th gen fighter development complete then new project will start ! Bad practice !

 

[sanket]

AMCA focus Top priority , then it will b base for developing 6th Gen Figter jet Once all Eco-system is developed from Engine to Weapons plus Sensors Avionics

 

[Sudha]

India seems to be no hurry for even 4th gen fighters looking at the delay in delivering all tejas variants including Tejas mk1.🤣 When India inducts 5th gen fighters 6th gen fighters will be in vouge & when 6th gen fighters are going to be designed in India, world will be moving to design 7th gen fighters. Well done India, proud of you.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Good call!!

First conquer 4th gen technologies followed by 5th gen, before even considering for a 6th gen aircraft

 

[Sridhar]

Priority - All TEJAS which has been ordered to be inducted by 2035.
AMCA should start rolling out by 2035 onwards.
TEDBF also should come out of assembly lines by the beginning of next decade.
AMCA MK2 to fly by 2045 or 2050.
Post 2060 IAF can think of 6th gen.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Invest more in Jet engine development programs. Incentivize pvt companies developing civilian and cargo planes and assembling military ones.

 

[Ravi Krishna Iyengar]

This idea appears to have sprouted from DRDO stables. The Govt should not fall prey to this idea. Firstly we have not understood the nuances of a 5th gen fighter. We barely managed the LCA mk 1 as a 4.5 gen but still it is 4th gen. Mk 1 A is labouring. Mk2 metal cutting has not started and there are no 100kN engines. AMCA is lost in harnessing new technologies. Amidst this any new programmes, 6th gen investment in my opinion is not a good proposition. We are not yet matured in the realm of Hypersonics and matching Aircraft systems especially Avionics and Won systems to integrate into Hypersonic regime. 6th gen aircraft will need Hypersonic capability with a suitable powerplant. We are far far away.

 

[Dredd]

Good call!!

First conquer 4th gen technologies followed by 5th gen, before even considering for a 6th gen aircraft

6th gen fighter is still a concept and would be a benchmark once USAF NGAD and its capabilities are revealed, AMCA need to first come up with decent 5th gen capabilities like all aspect stealth, internal weapon bay with meaningful load of 6 missile , sensor fusion (in progress), super cruise (not available with F414 engines), advanced radar system (already in progress).

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Good call!!

First conquer 4th gen technologies followed by 5th gen, before even considering for a 6th gen aircraft

Tejas mk1 has conquered all 4th tech and in some cases surpass 5th generation. India doesn't need 6th gen till 2070.

 

[Pramkumar]

Cancel MRCA/MMRA and go for investment in Kaveri Engine, MK1a, MK2, AMCA, ORCA for the Air force.

 

[linus52]

How r u going to fly? With broom stick? The writer has no brains, first get Kaveri developed then you can Dream

 

[babulal]

Whether 5th generation aircraft is made or not, we should start thinking and Learning the Inputs for the 6th generation aircraft, metal cutting can start for both together.
Think big, try to plan to climb for everest - if not reached the summit at least you will reach halfway, 5 the camp and if successful even the top!
If not the learning can be at least - what it takes to reach the top.
The Mighty americans, Russuans, EU havent become champions in a day.
There are Multiple failures before you become a Champion.
Start for the best