With Advanced AI and Auto-Piloting, India's AMCA Poised to Set 5.5 Gen Stealth Fighters Norms, First Flight Expected by 2028

India's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is making significant strides, with its first flight anticipated by the end of 2028. Dr. Krishna Rajendra Neeli, Project Director of AMCA at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), recently revealed that the project received critical financial clearance in early 2024, paving the way for its development and eventual rollout, expected by the end of 2027.

The AMCA is not merely an upgrade but a generational leap in fighter jet technology. As India's first 5.5 generation fighter, it promises to be a highly capable, versatile, and stealthy addition to the Indian Air Force. The aircraft is poised to integrate a range of cutting-edge technologies, setting new standards for future combat aircraft.

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the AMCA is its extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Neeli emphasized the integration of a highly advanced electronic pilot system, placing the AMCA among the most sophisticated fighter jets in terms of automation. This AI-powered system will enable the aircraft to perform complex tasks autonomously, reducing pilot workload and optimizing operational efficiency. Notably, the AMCA will possess auto take-off and landing capabilities, ensuring operational readiness even in challenging environments.

Stealth technology is another defining feature of the AMCA. The aircraft will utilize advanced composite materials and incorporate stealth angling in its design. This approach aims to minimize its radar cross-section by deflecting radar waves, making it significantly harder for enemy radar systems to detect. The use of composite materials also contributes to the AMCA’s lightweight structure, enhancing its agility and maneuverability.

While the AMCA program progresses towards its first flight, challenges remain. These include the seamless integration of complex AI systems, rigorous testing of the stealth features under various combat conditions, and the ongoing management of costs and timelines associated with such a technologically advanced project.

The AMCA program represents a significant step in India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. With its advanced capabilities, the AMCA is expected to bolster the Indian Air Force's combat prowess and play a crucial role in maintaining regional air superiority. The development of the AMCA also positions India as a key player in the global aerospace industry, showcasing its technological capabilities and innovation.

 

[AJS]

The AMCA program must go ahead. Progression of indigenous design capability to the 5th generation is essential if India is to become a truly independent, strong power. However, with the US now offering the F35 to India, AMCA faces an existential threat. Even if the program officially continues but with only lukewarm support from the IAF and other stakeholders, then it would be of little use. DRDO must find a way to really accelerate the development. The program must get out if this multi-agency diffused bureaucratic mode of functioning among the MoD, IAF, DRDO, HAL et al. A single joint project team of all these agencies under a strong empowered leader with a sense of mission, purpose and urgency.

 

[sanket]

officially AMCA is 5.5TH Gen

 

[DS]

Good news .

 

[Sandeep]

This will be very good news if it happens and hopefully there won’t be any problems or delays along the way like manufacturing issues, supply line issues, technology issues, equipment problems, modifications, contract negotiations delay, price negotiation delay, foreign parts or equipment or technology delay etc. This is a critical jet and it will be the backbone of the air force for the next 50+ years but there has been very long delays which is acceptable. We should only let HAL to manufacture the first 4-6 prototypes to certify the jet, technology, equipment, software, weapons etc but after that we should let several private manufacturers to manufacture it entirely indigenously so we don’t have to rely on HAL which ends up in long delays and problems.

One critical part of the jet is the engines and we need to quickly make a deal with France as it will take about 6-8 years to design, develop and finally start production once the technology and engine is certified and acceptable to the air force. That’s why we need to 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture the engine that we create with France. This is also a good opportunity and lesson on how to design and develop future indigenous engines without a foreign partner so we need to learn about the knowledge, education, science, advanced metallurgy knowledge, skills, experience, engineering, manufacturing process, manufacturing machinery etc.

Developing jet engines is very complex and difficult so this technology and IPR should only remain under government control to avoid any attempts to steal the technology and there will be many attempts from China, USA, Middle East etc who will try hacking the technology away from us. That’s why we should just let HAL manufacture the engines only without any private company ownership of the IPR. They can supply the raw materials and general components to HAL which will safeguard the advanced technology.

 

[Prashant]

IAF may slowly stop supporting AMCA as it now salivating the idea of flying F35s

Both Army and Airforce love foreign products due to variety of reasons

And if the 5th gen engine has to actually happen, only the French or Russia can help. UK will do or not do basis US commands.

 

[Nahian Ramim]

The design was just issued. If they can do it, they would beat Turkey in rushing a design (unlikely though, at best my bet is on 2030, which is being very optimistic, probably 2032 is a good timeline and production by 2034 and first serial introduction by 2037-38, if I say again, if everything goes according to plans).

 

[Gajanan Hirde]

We have extended the imaginary aircrafts by 0.5. Version.. like 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 etc. If you see on tarmac, they aren't visible anywhere. Only in schematic diagrams. I don't understand why they are making our skies vulnerable. Our global rankings are gonna drop below all our neighborhood

 

[Nagendra simh]

First let the prototype fly, and then IAF will decide how good it is. On paper and PowerPoint presentations, everything is good. You can even call it 7th gen.. who is stopping you. Engine is not finalized yet, if it doesn't have super cruise capabilities and range less than 1000km, it can't be considered 5th generation. Weapons , fuel, sensors, electronic warfare and passive sensors all have to be carried internally.

 

[Leored]

Thank God atleast we can now say we have 5.5 gen fighter on papers. If any war break out our enemy will not fight with this papers. As they know now we have squadrons of paper fighters.