India’s Stealth Fighter Jet Development Against Rising Regional Competition
India is progressing in developing its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet amid Pakistan’s acquisition plans for J-35A jets and China’s efforts on sixth-generation aircraft. A committee is working to expedite the AMCA’s development, address IAF’s gaps, and explore engine collaborations, with a significant budget allocated for prototypes. However, production may not begin until 2035, highlighting the need for immediate enhancements to current air capabilities.
India’s advancement in defense technology includes the development of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, which is set to outpace Pakistan’s ambitions as the latter seeks to procure 40 J-35A jets from China. Concurrently, China is revealing prototypes of its sixth-generation fighter aircraft and has stationed its fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 fighters at airfields near India, such as Hotan and Shigatse.
To expedite the development of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a committee was established following delays in the production of the Tejas jets by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The committee aims to develop a pragmatic production model to transition the AMCA from the design phase to actual aircraft, with an emphasis on engaging the private sector.
Plans include creating an indigenous 110-kilonewton thrust-class engine to support the AMCA, with potential foreign collaborations in engine technology. Companies such as General Electric, Safran, and Rolls-Royce are competing for this contract. Previously, a group led by a defense secretary produced a roadmap to address operational deficiencies in the Indian Air Force (IAF), which was submitted to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
In March 2024, Prime Minister Modi’s cabinet committee on security approved the engineering development of five AMCA prototypes, allocating an initial budget exceeding Rs 15,000 crore. While the AMCA will feature advanced capabilities, including sensor fusion and stealth mechanisms, production readiness is not expected until 2035 due to current timelines.
An IAF source acknowledged the challenge of shortening timelines due to existing technological deficiencies, noting that the IAF currently operates only 30 of the 42.5 designated fighter squadrons. Additionally, eight of these squadrons may retire in the next decade. To address this deficit, the IAF plans to induct 180 Tejas Mark-1A fighters, valued at around Rs 1.2 lakh crore, alongside 108 Tejas Mark-2 jets. A long-pending initiative for 114 foreign-collaboration multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA) is also progressing.
India’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities are critical, as it develops the AMCA while facing competition from Pakistan’s and China’s military advancements. With significant financial investments and strategies for collaboration and production efficiency, the IAF aims to enhance its operational strength amidst looming shortfalls. However, the projected readiness timeline for the AMCA indicates a pressing necessity for immediate solutions to current gaps in air defense.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
Post Comment