What Are 5th Generation Fighter Jets? How AMCA Will Give India A Strategic Edge? Explained
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The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft will significantly push India's indigenous defence capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem
The defence ministry has approved the 'execution model" for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jets to bolster its air capability.
The defence ministry said on Tuesday that Union minister Rajnath Singh has approved the 'Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model." 'In a significant push towards enhancing India's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model," it said.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the AMCA project in collaboration with private industry partners.
Termed as India's answer to fifth-generation air power, the AMCA is expected to be a stealth-heavy, multi-role platform incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as sensor fusion, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, and supercruise capability.
What Is Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft?
The AMCA is a 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft with an internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity. Its advanced stealth features will enable it to meet new and developing challenges in modern warfare. The initial cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 15,000 crore.
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The fifth-generation stealth fighter jet also boasts of an Electronic Pilot powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) for advanced decision-making. It also has Netcentric Warfare Systems for real-time combat coordination, an internal weapon bay for a range of weapons, and Integrated Vehicle Health Management for predictive maintenance, as mentioned in an India Today report. It will also aid in complex combat situations and provide seamless coordination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The internal weapons bay can carry up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and several precision-guided munitions, with a payload of 1,500 kg, The Indian Express reported.
The fifth-generation aircraft are different from Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and have low electromagnetic signature, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect it.
With AMCA, India has joined the list of select nations which have developed a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. The United States has the F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II, China has the J-20 Mighty Dragon and Russia has the Sukhoi Su-57.
How Soon Will India Get AMCA?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has committed to delivering the AMCA by 2035. 'This journey began only in 2024, when the Cabinet Committee on Security sanctioned the project," DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat had previously said. 'It will take ten years, and we have committed to delivering the platform by 2035."
One critical component of developing AMCA is the engine, which is likely to be developed through a joint venture with a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
The cabinet committee on security, led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the full-scale engineering development of five AMCA prototypes in March 2024, with an initial budget of over Rs 15,000 crore.
With several major indigenous systems like VSHORAD, MPATGM, and LCA Mk II also nearing induction, India's defence industrial base is poised for a transformative decade.
What Are F35 And Su-57 5th Generation Fighter Jets?
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The 15th edition of Aero India in Bengaluru on February 10 showcases some of the most advanced Russia's Su57E fighter jets and USA's F35.
The Sukhoi Su-57 is a twin-engine stealth multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, can carry up to 7.4 tonnes of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It has a maximum operating altitude of 54,100 feet and has a combat range of 1,864 miles.
Russia, which has about 76 Su-57s, is looking to sell the aircraft to India and UAE, according to an Indian Express report.
The F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft by Lockheed Martin are the 'most widely-deployed fifth-generation fighter, integrates advanced stealth, unparalleled situational awareness and networked combat capabilities", the defence ministry said in a statement.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a latest generation single-seat fighter aircraft, and has dozens of advanced capabilities such as ultra-high frequency voice and data and joint precision and approach landing systems, and the cutting-edge Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) for low-observable platforms.
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It has a payload of 18,000 pounds, with a speed of Mach 1.6 and has an internal fuel capacity of 18,498 pounds.
The F-35 contains state-of-the-art tactical data links that provide the secure sharing of data among its flight members as well as other airborne, surface and ground-based platforms required to perform assigned missions.
The F-35's engine produces 43,000 lbs of thrust and consists of a three-stage fan, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a two-stage low-pressure turbine.
Characteristics Of Each Generation Of Fighter Jets Explained
Generation 1 – Early Era Jets (1940-1950): This era marked the transition from propellers to jet engines, though the technology was still nascent. These jets lacked radar, had only machine guns and unguided rockets, and were limited in speed and altitude. Their design and construction were quite basic. Notable examples include the F-86 Sabre (USA), MiG-15 (USSR), Gloster Meteor (UK), de Havilland Vampire (UK), and Dassault Ouragan (France).
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Generation 2 – Supersonic And Radar Era (1950-1960): Jets in this era achieved supersonic speeds, incorporated basic radar, and introduced air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9. Radar became crucial in warfare. Examples include the MiG-21 (USSR), F-104 Starfighter (USA), Mirage III (France), and English Electric Lightning (UK).
Generation 3 – Advent Of Multi-Role (1970-1980): Jets evolved to perform both air-to-ground and air-to-air attacks. With digital avionics, fly-by-wire systems, and improved thrust-to-weight ratios, they became more manoeuvrable and adaptable to various missions. Notable examples include the F-4 Phantom II (USA), MiG-23 and MiG-27 (USSR), SEPECAT Jaguar (UK/France), and Mirage F1 (France).
Generation 3.5 – Upgraded 3rd Generation (1980-1990): This generation modernised older aircraft with Pulse-Doppler radar, glass cockpits, limited BVR missile capabilities, and digital systems. Examples include the MiG-23MLD (USSR), F-4E (USA), F-5E Tiger II (USA), Mirage F1 CR/CT (France), and MiG-21 Bison (India).
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Generation 4 (Since 1990s): Fighter planes underwent a digital revolution, becoming part of a complex network rather than solitary fighters. Modern warfare now involves information, communication, and technology. Fighter jets in this era became centres of digital technology, advanced avionics, and network-centric warfare. Examples include the Mirage 2000 (France), MiG-29 (USSR), F/A-18 Hornet (USA), JAS 39 Gripen A/B (Sweden), and HAL Tejas Mk1 (India).
Generation 4.5 – Advanced 4th Generation: These jets, technically 4th Generation, have been upgraded with modern technology, improved avionics, advanced sensors, and weapon systems. Sometimes called '4th Generation Plus," they incorporate some 5th Generation technologies like sensor fusion and low radar visibility. Examples include the MiG-29SMT/UPG (Russia/India), Dassault Mirage 2000-5 (France), F-16 Block 50/52+ (USA), HAL Tejas Mk1A (India), JAS 39 Gripen C/D, and Dassault Rafale.
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First Published:
May 27, 2025, 12:37 IST
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