India's AMCA to Have Some 6th-Gen Tech Like AI Co-Pilots, Manned-Unmanned Teaming and More: Confirms Former IAF Chief

India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), currently under development, is set to incorporate key technologies characteristic of 6th-generation fighter jets, according to former Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria.

In a recent interview, Bhadauria, who played a pivotal role in initiating the AMCA program, emphasized the importance of future-proofing the 5th-generation fighter by integrating these advanced capabilities.

This forward-thinking approach aims to ensure a smoother transition to a fully indigenous 6th-generation fighter jet in the coming decades. Bhadauria highlighted several key 6th-generation technologies that are being considered for integration into the AMCA program:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Electronic Co-pilots: AI systems will act as electronic co-pilots, aiding human pilots in real-time decision-making, battlefield monitoring, and even controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is already developing these electronic pilot systems, aiming to reduce pilot workload and enhance combat effectiveness.
• Synthetic Vision Systems: This technology will provide pilots with a virtual representation of the battlefield, even in conditions of poor visibility, allowing them to "see" through obstacles like clouds or darkness.
• Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): The AMCA will be capable of operating in conjunction with a swarm of UAVs, enabling more flexible and coordinated operations, especially in high-threat environments. ADA is actively working on integrating MUM-T capabilities into the AMCA.
• Data Fusion and Network-Centric Warfare: The AMCA will be able to seamlessly integrate data from various sources, including ground stations, satellites, and other aircraft, providing pilots with a comprehensive understanding of the battlespace. This network-centric approach is already being implemented by the IAF.

While the AMCA program remains focused on delivering a 5th-generation stealth fighter, Bhadauria stressed that the AMCA MkII should incorporate as many 6th-generation technologies as possible. This strategy will not only enhance the capabilities of the AMCA but also lay the groundwork for the development of a fully indigenous 6th-generation fighter by 2040.

Although India's 6th-generation fighter program is still in its conceptual stages, Bhadauria believes that early investment in research and development is crucial for maintaining India's air power dominance in the future.

This strategic approach reflects India's ambition to not just catch up with global advancements in fighter jet technology but to be at the forefront of innovation. By integrating sixth-generation technologies into the AMCA, India aims to bridge the gap with leading nations and solidify its position as a major aerospace power.

 

[sanket]

Their it is AMCA 5.5th Gen, i was alone in forum saying AMCA is 5.5th Gen, anyway some comedian entertained the forum Ha Ha Ha Ha, even suggested to Join KF-21 project which is 4.5th Gen ha ha ha

 

[PKPRS]

Where is Tejas MK2 4th gen jet?

 

[Anant]

I mean, at the pace this is going, it will even incorporate 10th generation fighter technology one day.

 

[WarTech]

I mean, at the pace this is going, it will even incorporate 10th generation fighter technology one day.

Exactly. The pace is absurd. We have no good option to increase it unless we privatise DPSUs. Then we can see actual improvement.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

Their it is AMCA 5.5th Gen, i was alone in forum saying AMCA is 5.5th Gen, anyway some comedian entertained the forum Ha Ha Ha Ha, even suggested to Join KF-21 project which is 4.5th Gen ha ha ha

HAL, IAF and ADA all of them are saying this thing and everyone knows that, I don't know what new discovery you're claiming. But people here are fed up with empty claims and promises esp. when even Tejas mk2 is not in concrete shape. AMCA could get 5.5th gen but question is when? It's the delay in programe which prompts people to counter you. Because these are just words at this time, say 5.5th gen or 6th gen or 7th gen if you like but that doesn't mean anything when HAL hasn't even delivered MK1A even.

 

[sanket]

HAL, IAF and ADA all of them are saying this thing and everyone knows that, I don't know what new discovery you're claiming. But people here are fed up with empty claims and promises esp. when even Tejas mk2 is not in concrete shape. AMCA could get 5.5th gen but question is when? It's the delay in programe which prompts people to counter you. Because these are just words at this time, say 5.5th gen or 6th gen or 7th gen if you like but that doesn't mean anything when HAL hasn't even delivered MK1A even.

its Road map for Future & IAF is Totally Backing ADA,DRDO,HAL & GTRE no need to worry AMCA 2035 , Tejas MK2 From 18 moths from now, Good example Dassault need 8 years Time for Uttam Radar Integration on Rafale while HAL is doing faster than it Integrating on Su-30 MKI, MIG-29 Last how Tejas MK1A will b delivered with old Reserve Engine , it will b delivered with New GE-404 Engine Once they start arriving what is Fault of HAL if GE failed to deliver completely which is world well well Aero-giant straight way 4th deadline let see in November what happen i hope this time they will deliver atleast 1 or 2 Engines while to reach 24 to 30 Engine per year rate it will take atleast another 2 years for GE , by the time production of Tejas MK1A will b effected even if HAL HAVING 24 Tejas MK1A production rate

 

[Dredd]

Their it is AMCA 5.5th Gen, i was alone in forum saying AMCA is 5.5th Gen, anyway some comedian entertained the forum Ha Ha Ha Ha, even suggested to Join KF-21 project which is 4.5th Gen ha ha ha

You never mentioned any 5.5 gen tech going into AMCA, even the tech mentioned by IAF chief is already present or being developed for 4.5 gen Rafale/EF and 5th gen F-35.

 

[desigandu]

great, but can the prototypes fly by 2028…ambitions and perfections should not get in the way of way of timelines…india is desperate for stealth planes (don’t care what gen they are called as that does not matter) as long as we can start producing them in numbers in the 2032-2035 timeframe…we can make phased improvements in batches, provided we have a scalable, modular and flexible design in place - time is of essence as even Pakistan may fly J31s by 2030…

 

[Sanatani Yodha]

Where is the engine?? No engine, no plane ✈️… u can’t make even a basic fighter like Tejas if u don’t have an engine!!!!
So GOI should employ all its might behind the engine program at utmost priority…,

 

[sanket]

You never mentioned any 5.5 gen tech going into AMCA, even the tech mentioned by IAF chief is already present or being developed for 4.5 gen Rafale/EF and 5th gen F-35.

so that means F-35 lack not only sixth but 5th too , 6th Gen Tech not at all in Rafale /EF & F-35 pl share source for this Rafale /EU even lack GaN based AESA Radar & u think some 6th Gen Features in 4.5 Gen Rafale & EF Nice Joke mara re Tune Bhai Ha Ha Ha

 

[Dredd]

so that means F-35 lack not only sixth but 5th too , 6th Gen Tech not at all in Rafale /EF & F-35 pl share source for this Rafale /EU even lack GaN based AESA Radar & u think some 6th Gen Features in 4.5 Gen Rafale & EF Nice Joke mara re Tune Bhai Ha Ha Ha

F-35 already have network fusion and network centric warfare capability , so does Gripen, Rafale and EFT , They also have program in advance stages for MUM-T , Synthetic vision (F-35)and enhanced AI capabilities, Only difference is that they will get these capabilities mentioned as 6th gen by ADA before AMCA.