Opinion Why AMCA Development is More Promising 5th-Gen Option for India than Acquiring F-35A or Su-57, Despite PAF's J-35A and Kaan Interest

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a complex strategic environment with the emergence of new fifth-generation fighter programs in the region. China's J-35A, a carrier-based stealth fighter, and Turkey's Kaan, an ambitious land-based project, are both reportedly being considered by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

However, both aircraft are years away from operational readiness. This situation presents the IAF with a window of opportunity to focus on its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, rather than pursuing foreign acquisitions like the F-35A or Su-57, which may not be the best fit for India's specific needs.

The J-35A, while showing progress, would require significant modifications to be adapted for land-based use by the PAF. Its long-term reliability and adaptability remain unproven

Similarly, Turkey's Kaan faces developmental hurdles, including funding limitations and technological challenges. Experts predict it will take at least a decade for the Kaan to become fully operationa.

Instead of reacting to the PAF's potential acquisitions, the IAF has a strong case for prioritizing the AMCA. Designed specifically for India's operational requirements, the AMCA offers a tailored solution.

In contrast, the F-35A, built for NATO's network-centric warfare doctrine, may not integrate seamlessly with the IAF's existing infrastructure and operational philosophy. Furthermore, its high cost could strain India's defence budget.

The Su-57, while possessing impressive capabilities, has experienced delays and production limitations. Its reliance on Russian support also raises concerns due to geopolitical uncertainties.

The AMCA, on the other hand, leverages lessons learned from the IAF's operational experience and the indigenous Tejas program. Its stealth features are optimized for the specific threats India faces, and it will incorporate advanced avionics, AI-assisted systems, and supercruise capabilities. Crucially, developing the AMCA promotes self-reliance and reduces dependence on foreign technology, aligning with India's strategic goals.

Moreover, the AMCA program strengthens India's domestic defence ecosystem, creating jobs and fostering technological innovation. By prioritizing the AMCA, the IAF not only acquires a fifth-generation fighter tailored to its needs but also contributes to India's long-term strategic autonomy.

In the meantime, the IAF can maintain its regional air superiority through a combination of upgraded fourth-generation platforms like the Rafale and Su-30MKI, and the seamless induction of the AMCA when it becomes operational.

The PAF's pursuit of the J-35A and Kaan represents a long-term challenge, not an immediate threat. The IAF's strategic focus should remain on the AMCA, which promises operational relevance and aligns with India's broader defence objectives.

Foreign acquisitions, while attractive on the surface, may not effectively serve India's unique requirements. By investing in indigenous capabilities, the IAF can secure its technological edge, bolster self-reliance, and confidently address future threats.

 

[tron541]

Agreed,
And for mrfa i believe rafale is the only option with the most positive points if only india lowers its demands.

 

[sanket]

Does Pakistan have enough money to buy two different types of 5th-gen fighter jets? By the way, some comedian was overjoyed about the KAAN first flight. Now the article states that it will take at least a decade. Huh. Till then, time for chai samosa for the comedian.

 

[Anant]

Not to be devil's advocate, but even the AMCA will take a decade (and possibly longer) to go from prototype roll-out to FOC. Therefore, for the sake of comparison, this 10 year window can be overlooked for all jets.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Good points covered in this article. But China also has J20, which we conveniently forget. China is a bigger threat than Pakistan.

First flight of AMCA prototype is 4-5 years away. While J35 whose having flying prototypes(Air Force variant) since 2023 are at least 7 years ahead of us. China also has some experience of developing its previous 5th gen fighter jet, so its development should be much faster than those who are developing 5th gen fighter jet for the first time.

We must expedite our development work. Also, we will face many challenges since we are developing such hi end military jet for the first time. We should be ready for some setbacks as well.

 

[WarTech]

Not to be devil's advocate, but even the AMCA will take a decade (and possibly longer) to go from prototype roll-out to FOC. Therefore, for the sake of comparison, this 10 year window can be overlooked for all jets.

Yeah, not as if our planes are rolling out like hot butter. Our R&D and manufacturing is still crap.

 

[FIDA INDIA]

Yeah, not as if our planes are rolling out like hot butter. Our R&D and manufacturing is still crap.

What do you suggest, sir?

 

[WarTech]

What do you suggest, sir?

My suggestion? Privatise HAL and other DPSUs who manufacture, so that what we have ordered comes out. Create R&D centers and defence manufacturing companies with very low tax so that it starts developing here. Make DRDO more efficient by emulating how DARPA works, making the labs private, but it should be funded by govt. And the tech belongs to the govt. This would reduce our R&D and manufacturing woes. Bring retired engineers and technicians from foreign countries by offering them higher salaries. That's how china advanced. Also, increase the salary to the leftover streamlined engineers. That way we will advance a lot more.

 

[Akshat]

My suggestion? Privatise HAL and other DPSUs who manufacture, so that what we have ordered comes out. Create R&D centers and defence manufacturing companies with very low tax so that it starts developing here. Make DRDO more efficient by emulating how DARPA works, making the labs private, but it should be funded by govt. And the tech belongs to the govt. This would reduce our R&D and manufacturing woes. Bring retired engineers and technicians from foreign countries by offering them higher salaries. That's how china advanced. Also, increase the salary to the leftover streamlined engineers. That way we will advance a lot more.

Well the tech in US belongs to the private sector, not to the Government. Of course, you need government approval for any sales or tech transfer. And that HAS TO BE the case. Because if the tech belongs to the government, we will again have the same problem. The private entities will have no incentive to develop anything new.

Secondly, assuming that the government sells off most, if not all, the assets in the manufacturing and research domain and gives all the contracts to the them, how can they hire anyone for them? Shouldn’t it be left to the private players to decide how and whom they wanna hire?

 

[Sridhar]

I accept the author's view. Instead of wasting taxpayers' money on foreign jets, take up the AMCA project on a high priority to ensure the IAF does not lag behind its regional rivals. For that, freeze a reliable partner for engines. Plan B and even Plan C can be thought out. But the rollout of AMCA shouldn't lose pace at any cost.

 

[Radium]

Good points covered in this article. But China also has J20, which we conveniently forget. China is a bigger threat than Pakistan.

First flight of AMCA prototype is 4-5 years away. While J35 whose having flying prototypes(Air Force variant) since 2023 are at least 7 years ahead of us. China also has some experience of developing its previous 5th gen fighter jet, so its development should be much faster than those who are developing 5th gen fighter jet for the first time.

We must expedite our development work. Also, we will face many challenges since we are developing such hi end military jet for the first time. We should be ready for some setbacks as well.

Why does India compare itself to China? India and China are completely incomparable!
Over the past 75 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, more than 10 types of fighter jets have been manufactured, including J5, J6, J7, JH7, J8, and J8II J10、J11、J15、J16、J20、J31。
In the 80 years since its founding, India has only had one third-generation fighter jet. From 1983 to 2024, India only produced 40 Glorious fighter jets in 40 years.
China can completely independently manufacture fighter jets, while India does not have the technology to independently manufacture fighter jets.
China's 6th generation fighter jets have already undergone test flights, while India's 5th generation fighter jets are still PPT.

 

[desigandu]

Agreed, that Bharat’s focus must be AMCA and we must do everything to accelerate it including the 110 kn high thrust engine, but both are unlikely to happen before 2035!

In the meantime we should buy at least 36 F35As delivered before 2030, if the Americans agree and we accept their terms. This will not only help us counter our enemies but also force us to learn tactics, networking and the network centric stuff, interoperability with NATO-QUAD-US, development of support infrastructure structure, MRO, and above all aid in learning cutting edge technology including avionics, radar, weapons and from the F135 engine that produces 190kn.

There are lots of upsides but it will cost money. One way to pay for it is scrap MRFA, and just buy additional 36 Rafales in fly away condition if they can guarantee delivery before 2030 (else scrap it) but with ability for upgrades, spares, Indian weapons integration etc., while also getting 36 F35s - we should get block 4 with TR3, as there is no harm in aspiring!

World best capability costs money and American strings - current Trump’s administration is eager for business and Bharat can use its resources to get technology, that is at least 10-15 years ahead of Russians or Chinese, in stealth…

 

[Alok Gupta]

Does Pakistan have enough money to buy two different types of 5th-gen fighter jets? By the way, some comedian was overjoyed about the KAAN first flight. Now the article states that it will take at least a decade. Huh. Till then, time for chai samosa for the comedian.

Remember that Bhutto had said that 'we will eat grass if we have to, but we will develop the atom bomb". For the Pakistani military, the common man is equivalent to 'grass' that is constantly trampled upon. They odn't give a damn as long as they get their shiney toys.

 

[Enforcer]

Does Pakistan have enough money to buy two different types of 5th-gen fighter jets? By the way, some comedian was overjoyed about the KAAN first flight. Now the article states that it will take at least a decade. Huh. Till then, time for chai samosa for the comedian.

Chinese maal will be offered for free in exchange for offering more resources and land inside Pakistan. I guess it means its not free but they won't need to have cash in hand to buy them.

 

[Enforcer]

Not to be devil's advocate, but even the AMCA will take a decade (and possibly longer) to go from prototype roll-out to FOC. Therefore, for the sake of comparison, this 10 year window can be overlooked for all jets.

Decade? Sitara the basic trainer is not ready after 20 years. Basic of the most basic thing is sitara. I will pay 1 million dollars to anyone in HAL if they truly know what are the features of a 5th gen aircraft which makes it 5th gen. There is soo much more than just stealth. Stealth doesn't mean just fancy coating also, there are many many aspects of stealth that make an aircraft stealthy.

 

[Dredd]

Not to be devil's advocate, but even the AMCA will take a decade (and possibly longer) to go from prototype roll-out to FOC. Therefore, for the sake of comparison, this 10 year window can be overlooked for all jets.

Such a hopeless situation are we with HAL and ADA projects , and still people cry over acquisition of platform like F35 or Su57.
We will be qualitatively inferior with in next 4-5 years compared to Pakistan after aquisition of J35, In 10 years they will have 2 5th gen jet TFX KaaN and J35 flying and probably local assembly where as we would still be testing AMCA mk1.

 

[Sudarshan Nityananda]

China already has 200 J 20 fighters ready for action. That's the gap we need to be worried about. Even if we charitably give AMCA ten years to full acceptance , that is a huge void to fill. Merely having 36 Rafale leaves us way behind and the Air Chief has publicly voiced concern regarding the overall situation. We need to scrap tendering and get Rafale in sufficient numbers with the best weaponry and electronic warfare suites in a hurry.