India's AMCA Project Aims for Lower Cost than F-35 and J-20 Without Compromising Similar 5th-Gen Capabilities

India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is making significant strides, with the first prototype expected to roll out by late 2026 or early 2027.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is not only focused on developing a cutting-edge 5th-generation fighter jet but also on ensuring it is cost-effective for both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and potential international buyers.

An ADA official has indicated that early prototypes suggest the AMCA's production model will be among the most affordable 5th-generation fighters available.

The goal is to offer advanced capabilities like stealth technology, sensor fusion, and advanced avionics at a competitive price, without compromising performance. This approach aims to provide a compelling alternative to existing 5th-generation fighters, which often come with high price tags.

While the final production cost will depend on manufacturing partnerships and procurement volume, current estimates suggest the AMCA will be significantly cheaper than its competitors.

For comparison, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, currently the most widely used 5th-generation fighter, has a unit cost of approximately $82.5 million.

The Chinese Chengdu J-20 is estimated to be around $110 million per unit, and while official pricing for the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 is not public, it is likely to be comparable to or exceed the F-35's cost.

To achieve this affordability, India is planning a public-private partnership for the AMCA's production. This collaborative model is expected to improve manufacturing efficiency and leverage the strengths of both sectors. The final pricing will become clearer once production bids are invited, a crucial step in determining the jet's market competitiveness.

The AMCA, with its advanced capabilities and anticipated affordability, is positioned to be a game-changer in the global fighter jet market. It offers a compelling option for countries seeking to modernize their air forces with 5th-generation technology without breaking the bank. Its stealth features, advanced sensors, and combat readiness are expected to make it a strong contender in the international arena.

 

[sanket]

Pvt players are going to manufacture the AMCA fighter jets. Several times I have said, and again I would say, 3 pvt players have shown interest in doing copy-paste work under the SPV model.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Pvt players are going to manufacture the AMCA fighter jets. Several times I have said, and again I would say, 3 pvt players have shown interest in doing copy-paste work under the SPV model.

Good news.
Who are the 3 private players?

 

[Enforcer]

We don't even have the design ready yet, no clue what engines will be used, no clue what radar will be used, no clue what its even gonna look like yet somehow we know the price?

This is just becoming more embarrassing day after day. This is called jealousy by Indians looking at China build hundreds of their J-20 and all we have are articles deciding how great AMCA is gonna be.

 

[Sudha]

We don't even have the design ready yet, no clue what engines will be used, no clue what radar will be used, no clue what its even gonna look like yet somehow we know the price?

This is just becoming more embarrassing day after day. This is called jealousy by Indians looking at China build hundreds of their J-20 and all we have are articles deciding how great AMCA is gonna be.

Design not ready yet? Really? Without design how can a prototype plane be made ready? Really these days quality of layman readers has drastically comedown, to top it they are now the new genre expert tech guys. 🤣😂 Really an embrassment. How come you came to the conclusion of "jealousy" by Indians? China has built hundreds of planes but they only blowup their capabilities. Recently J16s escorting chinese bombers to an exercise with russians had to return to their bases because of the limited range of J16s. Chinese couldn't even judge that the J16s did not have the range to escort the bombers to where the military exercise will be conducted.🤣😂

 

[Sandeep]

At the moment India shouldn’t focus on the price too much. Right now they need to focus and develop the very advanced technology, equipment, weapons and internal systems first. Then they need to prepare the manufacturing facilities and capabilities.

Once that has been achieved then the price will change based on the number of jets that we order. We will easily need more than 400 jets and if we manage to find a customer they will ask for technology changes and customisation to make it compatible to their technology. This will require extensive modifications and certification which takes more time and it increases the final export price.