Latest news with #J-20
India.com
4 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
Good news for Tata, Adani, L&T as Modi government approves AMCA Program, fifth-generation fighter aircraft will now…, HAL plans to…
New Delhi: In a major development, the Modi government has approved the AMCA Program Execution Model, which will allow private sector companies such as Tata, Adani, and L&T to compete for the program. RKS Bhadauria, former Air Force Chief, has said that the decision to approve the AMCA Program Execution Model could be a 'setback' for HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited). However, Bhadauria also higlighted that it is a necessary step towards fostering a collaborative environment in the country's defence production sector. Under the new model, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will work together with both private and public sector companies to advance the AMCA program. HAL will now have to compete with companies like Tata, Adani, and L&T to manufacture the fifth-generation fighter aircraft. HAL should now work in collaboration with the private sector and should not hesitate to participate in a consortium with private companies, Bhaduria said. Should fifth-generation fighter jets be imported? Bhadauria rejected the idea of India importing fifth-generation fighter jets in the meantime, especially when Pakistan is preparing to buy aircraft like the J-20 or J-35 from China. He said that the government has placed its trust in the AMCA. Now, every possible effort must be made to push the AMCA forward quickly. He further said, 'Let Pakistan buy whatever aircraft it wants from China, be it the J-20 or the J-35. Let them. We will study them. What matters is how we deal with these threats in the meantime. There are ways to counter these threats.' 'Pakistan is likely to acquire stealth capability before us. We will have to take certain other measures so that we can detect them in some way and keep them away from our borders to prevent any attacks. If they are able to launch their cruise missiles or standoff weapons, we are capable of dealing with those weapons,' he added. This means that even if Pakistan ends up acquiring superior technology before us, we are still prepared to counter it. What does the new model say? The AMCA program will be executed by ADA in collaboration with both private and public sector companies. HAL will now have to compete with companies like Tata, Adani, and L&T. Earlier, HAL used to get this work exclusively. But that will no longer be the case. Bhadauria said that HAL should not see this as a 'setback.' Instead, it should see it as an opportunity. It should work together with the private sector and learn new technologies.
The Print
2 days ago
- Business
- The Print
All about J-35A, the Chinese fifth-generation stealth fighter Pakistan plans to acquire
Pakistan, the reports suggest, placed its official order in December 2024, with delivery of over 30 fighters anticipated between August 2025 and early 2026. Islamabad is said to have finalised the purchase of up to 40 of these stealth fighters from China. If the delivery takes place, it will mark the first international export of the aircraft which was unveiled in Zhuhai Air Show in November last year. New Delhi: The Chinese imprint on Pakistan armed forces is set to deepen further as reports suggest that Beijing is fast-tracking the delivery of its fifth-generation J-35A stealth fighter jet to its long-time ally. The deal is being hailed in the two countries as a game-changer for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The aircraft will complement and enhance the PAF's modernisation drive, which includes recent inductions of the JF-17 Block III and J-10CE fighters. Currently, India is pursuing its own project to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet–the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA). On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the approval of the AMCA programme execution model. Developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), a subsidiary of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the J-35 is a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter evolved from the FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype—a once privately funded project aimed at the export market after SAC lost the J-XX program bid to Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. First introduced as the 'F-60' at a Beijing innovation contest in September 2011, the FC-31 took to the skies on 31 October 2012. Although initially outside China's official military development stream, growing interest from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the PLA Navy prompted the FC-31's transformation into two formal variants: a land-based J-35A for the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and a carrier-based version for the PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF). As of now, China is the only country besides the US (F-22 and F-35) to field two operational fifth-generation stealth fighters—the Chengdu J-20 'Mighty Dragon' and the Shenyang J-35. While the J-20 is tailored for long-range air superiority, the J-35A offers multirole versatility with a lighter footprint and greater export potential. Also Read: From non-delivery of fighters to constant delays & 'black sheep', IAF chief speaks out Copy cat? The J-35A is reported to come with next-generation avionics, sensor fusion systems, and a weapons payload capacity of up to 8,000 kg—2,000 kg internally and 6,000 kg externally. What catches the eye is the striking similarity it shares with the F-35 that often led to the accusation of the Chinese copying the American stealth fighter, a charge that has stuck with the Asian powerhouse given its notoriety of cloning technology either borrowed or stolen from Russia and the West. While both the J-20 and J-35A feature stealth and advanced avionics, they serve distinct roles. The J-20, with its larger airframe, more powerful WS-10C or future WS-15 engines, and extensive sensor suite, is designed for long-range air dominance. In contrast, the J-35A offers multirole agility and is tailored for medium-range missions. The J-20 remains China's flagship stealth platform, while the J-35A opens new possibilities for China's defense exports and allied force multipliers. The arrival of the J-35A in Pakistan will be a defining moment in South Asia's military landscape. Analysts suggest that the new stealth fleet could give the PAF a 7–14 year advantage in fifth-generation capability over India, depending on the AMCA timeline. The platform's success will depend heavily on seamless integration with Pakistan's existing infrastructure and China's continued support in training, logistics, and maintenance. Once operational, the aircraft will not only elevate Pakistan's aerial combat abilities but also underscore China's growing influence as a global defense supplier and stealth aircraft innovator. Aditya Shrikhande is an intern who graduated from ThePrint School of Journalism. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: In wake of Jamnagar crash, a look at chequered legacy of IAF's SEPECAT Jaguar
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
China's indigenous fighter jet is giving tough competition to US's F-35, its name is.., top features include..
After the collapse of the USSR(Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), the global power balance has been gradually shifting. Russia is not as influential as it once was and cannot compete with the United States in every area. At the same time, China is growing significantly and is seen as a rising global power. Along with its economic growth, China has also made steady progress in modern military technology. In both these areas, China is now becoming a strong competitor to the United States. The role of air forces plays a significant role in today's warfare. Undoubtedly, the U.S. holds the pole position in this regard. Meanwhile, China is making every possible effort to match the global superpower. Recently, the United States announced the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet. Notably, both the U.S. and China possess fifth-generation fighter jets. While the U.S. Air Force is equipped with the F-22 Raptor, China's Air Force also has the Chengdu J-20 fighter jet. Both of these are fifth-generation aircraft. Surprisingly, the Chengdu J-20 has a unique feature that is also found in the Rafale fighter jet. Referred to as 'Mighty Dragon,' China's Chengdu J-20 fighter jet is the first fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. It was developed by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). According to the news 18 Hindi report, the key roles of the J-20 are to establish air superiority and enhance long-range strike capabilities. Furthermore, the aircraft strengthens China's strategic presence in sensitive regions like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Going by the media reports, a new tailless stealth jet has recently appeared on social media platforms, seen flying alongside the J-20S. This has led to speculation that China may be working on a sixth-generation fighter jet, although there is no official confirmation yet. Speaking of its Stealth Capabilities, the J-20 is designed to evade radar detection, featuring a low radar cross-section and technologies that reduce its infrared signature. Going by the News18 Hindi report, the J-20 is powered by two Shenyang WS-10C turbofan engines, which enable it to reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 and offer an approximate range of 5,500 kilometers. Speaking of its features, the J-20 features a modern digital glass cockpit, equipped with multi-spectral sensors, a helmet-mounted display, and an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS). These systems provide the pilot with 360-degree situational awareness, enhancing combat effectiveness. The J-20 is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including PL-10, PL-12, PL-15, and PL-21 air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, and anti-radiation missiles, making it capable of engaging various threats in the air, reported News18Hindi. The J-20 is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, a key feature of fifth-generation fighter jets. Notably, the Rafale fighter jet is also believed to use a similar radar system. The United States had strongly criticized the J-20 Mighty Dragon, claiming that China copied American technology to create a duplicate of the F-22 Raptor. This aircraft is known as the J-20 Mighty Dragon.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Stealth fighter prototype to fly in 2029: DRDO chief
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Samir V Kamat on Thursday said the first prototype of a stealth fighter being developed by India will make its maiden flight in 2029. 'The development of AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft) will be completed by 2034 and it will go into production a year later,' he told reporters on the sidelines of a Confederation of Indian Industry event. His comments came two days after India unveiled its long-awaited plan to fast-track the development of AMCA --- an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, and announced that the execution model will be competitive and provide equal opportunities to public and private sector firms to participate in the project. The approval of the industry partnership model by defence minister Rajnath Singh came at a critical moment as state-run plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) --- the sole manufacturer of fighter jets in the country --- was so far believed to be the front-runner for the project. On Thursday, Singh said the AMCA execution model was a 'bold and decisive step' that will take the domestic aerospace sector to newer heights. 'Under the AMCA project, the plan is to develop five prototypes, which will be followed by series production. It is a key milepost in the history of the Make-in-India programme,' Singh said at the CII event. The DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will execute the programme through industry partnership. The model unlocks new possibilities for the local aerospace industry, including firms such as Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen & Toubro, Adani Defence and Aerospace and the Mahindra Group. To be sure, HAL is still a strong contender for the project. This could become the private sector's finest hour, chief of the air staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said at the same event. 'If today somebody is manufacturing world-class cars, electronics, and equipment in the civil sector, why can't some of those industries come together and say, 'We will make world-class military equipment even if it doesn't give me the profit I am looking for.' Let's rise together to make this nation a great nation,' he said. Speeding up the AMCA programme is critical as China has already deployed the J-20 fifth-generation fighters, it is rolling out the J-35 stealth fighters that Pakistan is looking at buying, and it has tested two so-called sixth-generation platforms designated J-36 and J-50. Last year, the PM-headed Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the AMCA's design and prototype development at a cost of around ₹15,000 crore. This involves the design and development of five twin-engine AMCA prototypes. The IAF's modernisation map envisages the deployment of around 120 stealth fighters (six squadrons) 2035 onwards, with the advanced planes forming an important element of future air combat.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
HAL AMCA: What is India's fifth-generation fighter jet, and how does it compare with F-35, Su-57, J-20?
AMCA's capabilities Live Events What Makes AMCA a Fifth-Generation Jet? Stealth Technology : Internal weapons bay and low radar cross-section help reduce detectability. : Internal weapons bay and low radar cross-section help reduce detectability. AI-Enabled Systems : An Electronic Pilot uses Artificial Intelligence for real-time decision-making support. : An Electronic Pilot uses Artificial Intelligence for real-time decision-making support. Sensor Fusion : The cockpit integrates inputs from multiple onboard sensors for unified situational awareness. : The cockpit integrates inputs from multiple onboard sensors for unified situational awareness. Netcentric Warfare : Secure and real-time data links allow the AMCA to operate seamlessly with other manned and unmanned platforms. : Secure and real-time data links allow the AMCA to operate seamlessly with other manned and unmanned platforms. Supercruise Capability : Enables sustained supersonic speeds without afterburners, reducing fuel usage and thermal visibility. : Enables sustained supersonic speeds without afterburners, reducing fuel usage and thermal visibility. Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring (IVHM): Monitors structural and system health to enable predictive maintenance and reduce downtime. A strategic leap amid regional tensions How does AMCA compare to F-35, Su-57 and J-20? F-35 Lightning II (USA): Developed by Lockheed Martin, this jet is considered the most widely deployed fifth-gen fighter. It features advanced stealth, an internal fuel capacity of 18,498 pounds, and a payload of 18,000 pounds. It is powered by a 43,000 lb thrust engine and features the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) for secure battlefield communication. Sukhoi Su-57 (Russia): Russia's stealth jet can reach Mach 1.8 and carry up to 7.4 tonnes of munitions. With a combat range of 1,864 miles and operating altitude of over 54,000 feet, the Su-57 is pitched as a multi-role platform with Russia looking to export it to India and the UAE. Chengdu J-20 (China): China's stealth fighter is already in service and is often claimed to rival US platforms. It is equipped with long-range missiles and radar-evading technologies. A decade ahead: What's next for AMCA? Why AMCA matters for India's Defence future (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel India has cleared its ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft ( AMCA ) programme, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project that aims to elevate the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the elite club of next-gen aerial combat nations. The decision was taken by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, marking a major leap in India's indigenous defence AMCA project—led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)—is designed to produce medium-weight, deep-penetration, stealth aircraft that will operate alongside the existing Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. Together, they will form the core of India's aerial strike power in the coming decades.'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,' the Ministry of Defence AMCA is more than just a jet. It's India's answer to stealth-heavy, fifth-generation warfare. The twin-engine, 25-tonne aircraft will feature cutting-edge stealth, AI-assisted electronic piloting, and internal weapons bays designed for long-range air-to-air missiles and precision-guided also comes with Netcentric Warfare Systems, advanced avionics, and Integrated Vehicle Health Management for predictive maintenance. These features enable seamless coordination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in real-time combat India Today report confirms the aircraft's internal fuel tank will hold up to 6.5 tonnes, giving it extended operational range. The Indian Express reports the internal weapons bay will carry a payload of up to 1,500 AMCA's projected cost currently stands at ₹15,000 crore, with full-scale engineering development for five prototypes approved in March AMCA is a 25-tonne twin-engine stealth multi-role fighter, featuring cutting-edge stealth design, sensor fusion, and advanced avionics. It is engineered for both deep penetration strike missions and air dominance includes:The jet can carry up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and several precision-guided munitions internally, with a total payload of 1,500 timing of the announcement is no coincidence. It comes as China rapidly advances its military technology and deepens its defence relationship with Pakistan. According to a recent US intelligence report, 'Pakistan primarily is a recipient of China's economic and military largesse, and Pakistani forces conduct multiple combined military exercises every year with China's PLA, including a new air exercise completed in November 2024.'The same report noted that over 80% of Pakistan's arms imports come from China, with 'foreign materials and technology supporting Pakistan's WMD programmes very likely acquired primarily from suppliers in China.' These materials are sometimes transshipped through third countries like Hong Kong and the compounding the situation are recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese workers in Pakistan. Seven Chinese nationals were killed in 2024, straining relations between the two this backdrop, India's push for self-reliance in aerospace and its investment in fifth-generation capabilities mark a decisive AMCA will join an elite list of fifth-generation fighter jets already in operation. These include:Compared to these, AMCA's design focuses on stealth, AI integration, and seamless UAV coordination. Though India is late to the fifth-generation game, its aircraft is expected to match, if not exceed, certain capabilities of its rivals through indigenous innovation and selective foreign Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has committed to delivering the first operational AMCA by 2035.'This journey began only in 2024, when the Cabinet Committee on Security sanctioned the project. It will take ten years, and we have committed to delivering the platform by 2035,' DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat had said develop the jet's complex engine, India is expected to partner with a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM), ensuring the platform meets both domestic and export the IAF is also moving ahead with its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement programme. A Request for Information (RFI) was issued in April 2019 for 114 fighter aircraft, at an estimated cost of USD 18 billion—making it one of the largest military acquisitions in recent India, the AMCA is not just about matching China or Pakistan. It's about successful development of the Tejas LCA has already laid the groundwork. Now, with the AMCA, India joins the elite club of nations with fifth-generation fighter capabilities—alongside the US, Russia, and other indigenous programmes such as VSHORAD, MPATGM and LCA Mk II, the AMCA signals a transformative decade ahead for India's defence industry. With the global strategic landscape rapidly shifting, the ability to control the skies is no longer optional—it's existential.
