The Union government has initiated the process of obtaining approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security for the design and prototype development of India’s homegrown fifth-generation fighter, the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), minister of state for defence Ajay Bhatt told Rajya Sabha on Monday.
“5th generation fighter aircraft, due to very special features, are costlier than 4th generation fighter aircraft. Since AMCA is an indigenous 5th generation aircraft, it is less costly than similar aircraft available outside,” the minister said in a written reply to a question.
The design, development and first prototypes of AMCA could cost more than ₹15,000 crore, officials familiar with the plan said on the condition of anonymity.
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernisation map envisages the deployment of around 120 stealth fighters (six squadrons) from 2032 onwards, with the stealth planes forming an important element of future air combat.
“After the light combat aircraft, the fighter production ecosystem in the country is fully in place. India is now all set to leap into the AMCA project and carve out a place for itself on the world map as a producer of fifth-generation fighter aircraft,” said Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), director general, Centre for Air Power Studies. Currently, only the US, Russia and China have built fifth-generation fighters.
AMCA is expected to be developed in two phases. The first two squadrons will consist of Mk1 version of AMCA, and the remaining four squadrons will be raised with a more advanced version with a raft of sixth-generation technologies, as previously reported. Sixth-generation technologies are more advanced than those in any fighter jet currently in service globally.
{{/usCountry}}AMCA is expected to be developed in two phases. The first two squadrons will consist of Mk1 version of AMCA, and the remaining four squadrons will be raised with a more advanced version with a raft of sixth-generation technologies, as previously reported. Sixth-generation technologies are more advanced than those in any fighter jet currently in service globally.
{{/usCountry}}The stealth fighter could be put into production by 2030.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is looking at incorporating sixth-generation technologies in AMCA. People aware of the matter said that there is a possibility of equipping AMCA with directed energy weapons, superior anti-missile systems, advanced missile approach warning systems, and teaming it with unmanned systems.