Under the approved model HAL will compete with private industry to manufacture the indigenous 5th generation fighter jet aircraft named Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
- Currently only the US (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) have developed operational fifth generation aircraft.
AMCA Programme Overview: Indigenous Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet
- Background: Received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in 2024.
- CCS is headed by the Prime Minister and typically comprises the Home Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and External Affairs Minister as members.
- Lead Agency: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO.
- Core Capabilities: Supercruise, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, AI-driven avionics, radar-absorbing structures.
- Timeline: Prototype expected by 2028-29; induction targeted by 2034
- Variants: AMCA Mk1 with GE-F414 engines; Mk2 planned with indigenous engines.
Key Features of 5th Generation Fighters
- Twin-engine powered: A twin-engine platform provides higher level of air safety and survivability 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 rada.
- Agile Airframes with Supercruise: High maneuverability 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 maneuvering.
Strategic Importance & Regional Relevance of Indigenous 5th Genration Aircraft
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