India's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program aims to produce a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet that can surpass existing platforms like the American F-35 Lightning II and the Russian Su-57 Felon. The program has gained momentum with recent government approvals and partnerships with both public and private sector companies. The goal is to enhance India's air power capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign technology.

AMCA's Design and Capabilities

The AMCA is envisioned as a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth, multirole combat aircraft designed for both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. It will be capable of performing air supremacy, ground-strike, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD), and electronic warfare (EW) missions. The design emphasizes a low radar cross-section (RCS) and supercruise capabilities. The aircraft will feature advanced stealth technology, AI-driven systems, and a next-gen avionics suite for 360-degree battlefield awareness and real-time decision-making. It will also be equipped with long-range missiles and smart bombs.

Indigenous Engine Development

A critical aspect of the AMCA program is the development of an indigenous engine. India is expected to partner with a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to develop the jet's complex engine. The Defence Secretary has stressed the need to treat engine development as a "national mission" to reduce import dependence.

Comparison with F-35 and Su-57

The AMCA is designed to bridge the gap between Western and Russian fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. The F-35 is considered the gold standard in stealth fighter technology, with advanced radar-absorbing coatings and internal weapons bays. It excels in allied interoperability and real-time sensor data sharing. The Su-57 prioritizes agility and super maneuverability, with thrust-vectoring engines and advanced aerodynamics. It combines X-band and L-band radar systems, along with infrared tracking, to counter enemy stealth. The AMCA aims to blend agility, cutting-edge stealth, and sovereign control, customized for India's regional and strategic needs.

A key advantage of the AMCA is its projected cost-effectiveness. The estimated price of the AMCA fighter jet ranges between $40–50 million per unit, making it a cost-effective alternative compared to the F-35's $80–100 million and the J-20's $110–120 million price tags. This affordability presents a strategic advantage for India, allowing for an extensive procurement of modern fighter jets without straining defence budgets.

Timeline and Production

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is committed to delivering the first operational AMCA by 2035. The first prototype is expected to be rolled out by 2028-29, with production slated to begin from 2032-33. The design work was completed in 2023, and approval for the ₹15,000 crore (US$1.8 billion) project for prototype development was received in March 2024. A total of five prototypes are to be built.

Strategic Implications

The AMCA program is a major step towards strengthening India's self-reliance in defense and aerospace. It is expected to energize India's domestic aerospace ecosystem, foster innovation, and generate large-scale employment. The AMCA, along with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the coming decades.

Other Considerations

The Indian Air Force (IAF) also has a need to quickly enhance its air power. As an interim measure until the indigenous AMCA is ready for induction by 2035, the IAF has proposed acquiring fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign sources. The US has offered its F-35A, and Russia has offered its SU57. However, prioritizing the indigenous AMCA program is argued to be the best long-term solution, ensuring strategic autonomy, technological advancement, and reduced dependency on foreign nations.