In a strategic leap amid regional tensions with Pakistan and China, India has given the green light to develop a prototype of fifth-generation, deep-penetration advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Currently, only three nations — the United States (F-22 and F-35), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57) — are known to operate fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
While the project signifies a major leap in the IAF’s defense capabilities, the question remains about India’s technological challenges that could impact the development of the AMCA.
In an exclusive conversation with EurAsian Times, Major General (Retd) GD Bakshi and expert defense commentator said, “The core issue lies with the engine. Initially, we considered importing the GE 414 engine to power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, which is designated as our 5th-generation fighter. Another technological hurdle is the anti-radar paint, but I believe we can handle that”.
“This is what drives up the cost of the aircraft, as it continuously deteriorates, necessitating repainting. Consequently, these planes are quite costly to maintain and operate, leading to significantly high lifecycle costs”, General Bakshi added.
Bakshi pointed out that the challenge India faces is time.
“The stark reality is that China already possesses fifth-generation J-20 fighters. They have over 300 of these stealth fighters, which are undetectable by radar, allowing them to penetrate deeper into our airspace without being noticed, and subsequently launch their standoff weapons”, the former major general said.
The defence expert further noted that the original timeline for the AMCA, as developed by HAL and the Aeronautical Development Agency, projected the prototype to be ready by the end of this decade, specifically 2028, with an additional 5-10 years for completion. This was the initial plan.
Bakshi asserted that clearly, India cannot afford a 10-year delay, especially with Pakistan potentially acquiring the Chinese fifth-generation fighter, and their pilots are already training on that aircraft in China.
So, the pressing question is, how do we bridge the gap? One potential solution is to remain committed to our indigenous production program. An alternative would be to purchase the Su-57. This Russian aircraft, I hear, is being offered at a relatively low price of about $40 million, whereas the Rafale costs us around $80 million.
“The F-35 will be slightly more expensive, but its life cycle cost will be extremely high. There’s also the issue with the F-35 having a “kill switch”. The Americans can disable that fighter at any time, which would render your investment obsolete. This situation is very risky. They are unwilling to share technology, do not want to provide source codes, and impose strict limitations on how you can use that aircraft, including where and when you can deploy it, and at which airfield. Its usage will be closely monitored. So, do we really want to spend so much money only to face numerous restrictions and potential supply chain issues, similar to what happened with the Tejas jet engine? As I mentioned, the options were either to purchase the F-35 or the Su-57 as a temporary solution until the AMCA is ready for mass production”, the defence expert explained.
Asked if India is ready for an indigenous fifth-generation fighter in terms of technology, the Ex-Army General said, “Absolutely. Indian technology has indeed surprised the global community. Our integrated air defense system is at par with that of the United States, Russia, or Israel. It has even proven to be superior to the Chinese systems. As you know, the Chinese have not deployed their frontline equipment alongside Pakistan. Therefore, we are still unaware of their true capabilities; however, their S-300 counterparts, the HQ-9 and HQ-16, have performed poorly. We have successfully neutralized them”.
“We have destroyed their radar systems. So, yes, the technology we possess gives me great confidence that whatever challenges India chooses to tackle internally, whether it be the Kaveri engine for the AMCA or the LCA, we will certainly accomplish with the support of our private sector, which will bring in the necessary speed and expertise from abroad”, added General Bakshi.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a Tejas LCA Mk1A jet cockpit. (Twitter)
Big Leap For India
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the prototype of a 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the ministry said in a statement, calling it a “significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities”.
India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) — a government agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for aircraft design — is “set to execute the programme through industry partnership,” it added.
“This is an important step…which will be a major milestone towards aatmanirbharta (“self-reliance”) in the aerospace sector”.
Earlier, Air Marshal M. Matheswaran (retired), who worked on the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and negotiated the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) with the Russians, said that India must secure a “risk-sharing” partner onboard.
India has multiple options. Russia has offered domestic production of Su-57 fighters using the existing facility of Su-30 MKI fighters. SAAB has also promised collaboration and to deliver JAS-39 Gripens in record time. India is also in talks with France and the US.
What India will do remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: India must act quickly.
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