NI: India wants its own version of the F-35 fighter

4

The Indian Air Force (IAF) wants to acquire its own version of the fifth generation fighter. The Indian military has an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which is rooted in India's efforts to modernize its existing fleet of obsolete fighters, writes National Interest journalist Mark Episkopos.

The AMCA concept looks more like a variant of the American F-35 than the Russian Su-57 or the Chinese J-20. It should be a versatile and unobtrusive, light and maneuverable single-seat fighter capable of performing a wide range of missions (multipurpose). Apparently, this program is a supplement and not a replacement for the heavy Su-30MKI, designed to gain air superiority.



In 2018, India withdrew from a joint fifth-generation fighter (FGFA) project with Russia and embarked on independent development of a new aircraft. Moreover, New Delhi left this project out of a desire to develop its national military-industrial complex within the framework of the Make in India initiative.

AMCA - not only technical project, but also part of a wider policy to reinvest in India's defense sector. Contributors to the project are Defense Research and Development Organization of India (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and a number of other contractors.

Over the past decade, there have been some changes in the AMCA project. The latest fifth-generation fighter is expected to have some "sixth-generation characteristics." The aircraft will have superior stealth, some AI systems integration and the latest touchscreen display in the cockpit. Avionics will acquire a large set of advanced radars and electronic warfare systems.

The fighter, which is called an analogue of the F-35, will be equipped with a variable thrust vector engine, and little is known about its armament (ammunition in the internal compartments). It is specified that the fighter will be able to target the target with Beyond-Visual Range missiles. In addition to conventional air-to-air missiles and guided bombs, the aircraft will be capable of supporting directed energy weapons (DEW) systems.

Its delivery time to IAF may change in the coming years as the project progresses. The AMCA is currently expected to make its maiden flight by 2025 and serial production by 2028. Earlier it was reported that production will start no earlier than 2032.
  • US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class D. Keith Simmons
Our news channels

Subscribe and stay up to date with the latest news and the most important events of the day.

4 comments
Information
Dear reader, to leave comments on the publication, you must sign in.
  1. +1
    18 July 2021 17: 14
    This is interesting news .... When India begins mass production of its 2030th generation stealth fighter in 5, China, Russia and the United States will begin developing 7th generation fighters.
  2. -1
    18 July 2021 23: 26
    a, NI Pushkova, ... confused
    So the Indians do not hide it for a long time,
    So they need an F35 bomber or a SU57 fighter? Let them dance ...
  3. 0
    14 August 2021 08: 45
    For God's sake. Who's in the way. How many years have they been building their own tank?
  4. 0
    28 August 2021 17: 50
    You will dance around the cannon for about 50 years - the drawings are just sticking between the eyebrows !!!