Why in the News

The Defence Minister has approved an execution model for India's indigenous 5th-generation fighter jet named Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

AMCA Programme Overview

•  Background: Received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in 2024. 
•  Purpose: To manufacture the indigenous 5th generation fighter jet aircraft AMCA.
• Timeline: Prototype expected by 2028-29; induction targeted by 2034-35
• Variants: AMCA Mk1 with GE-F414 engines; Mk2 planned with indigenous engines.
• Lead Agency: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO. 
• Industry tie-up: 
  • The ADA will implement the AMCA programme through industry partnerships.
    • Until now, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has served as the default domestic production agency for combat aircraft. 
  • Both private and public sector companies can bid independently, as joint ventures, or consortia on a competitive basis.
  • All entity/bidders must be Indian companies compliant with the national laws and regulations.

About the 5^th Generation Fighter Jet

• The concept of fighter jet generations emerged in the 1990s and has been applied retrospectively to earlier jets. 
  • The first-Generation fighter jets are Introduced in the late stages of World War II, these early jets were faster than piston-engine planes but still flew mostly at subsonic speeds.
• However, there is no strict definition of each generation — the idea mainly helps understand broad technological leaps.
  • A new generation begins when a major innovation can't be added to older jets through upgrades. 
• The 5^th Generation Fighter Jet are most advanced in service today. They offer:
  • Twin-engine powered: Provides higher level of air safety in the event of failure of one engine especially at night.
  • Stealth Capabilities:  They have Low-Probability-of-Intercept Radar (LPIR) and are harder to detect by enemy radar. 
  • Agile Airframes with Super cruise: High manoeuvrability and the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners.
  • Advanced Avionics: High-tech electronic communication, targeting, and control systems.
  • Integrated Computer Systems: Enables networking with other systems, giving pilots a 360-degree battlefield view without manoeuvring.
  • Extremely expensive to develop and maintain
  • Examples: Only the US (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) have developed operational fifth generation aircraft.
• Several countries such as the US, China, Russia, the UK, Japan, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain have announced the development of sixth-generation fighters. 
  • It is expected to have Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, Hypersonic capabilities, Unmanned capabilities, etc.

Strategic Importance of 5^th Generation Fighter Jet AMCA 

• IAF Modernisation: Fills critical capability gap post-MiG-29/Mirage phaseout, helps restore IAF's depleted squadron strength (31 vs. approved 42).
• Regional Threat Dynamics: Counters China's J-20 and Pakistan's J-10C (procured from China) deployments.
• Technological Sovereignty: Reduces dependency on foreign platforms, enhances long-term defence autonomy through Make in India.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: The project will give a significant push towards enhancing India's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem.

Conclusion 

To ensure the successful execution of the AMCA programme, a multi-pronged strategy is essential. The government must create an enabling ecosystem by easing land acquisition norms, investing in defence-specific industrial infrastructure, and supporting private sector capability by leveraging HAL's experience. A framework of investment and IPR laws to facilitate technology transfers specific to this programme is also essential.