Aerospace

AMCA Project’s Critical Funding Hurdles Threaten India’s Fighter Jet Ambitions

By 2028, India's AMCA fifth-generation fighter jet prototype may fly.

The AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project is highly anticipated in the realm of Indian defense, primarily because India currently lacks advanced fighter jets beyond the Rafale aircraft.

The country does not possess a 5th generation fighter jet, making the AMCA project crucial. While India received proposals from both the United States and Russia to use their fighter jets, the decision was made to develop their own aircraft, minimizing reliance on foreign models.

AMCA program may experience further delays

Nevertheless, the AMCA program may experience further delays due to pending funding clearance. The Indian Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is struggling to obtain approval from a government committee for this critical project, which is facing regulatory obstacles.

The AMCA represents a cutting-edge stealth fighter, and a prototype is anticipated by 2026. However, they require permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which has been on hold for the past six months, causing concern within the defense community.

Initially, the estimated budget for the AMCA project was $2 billion. However, in 2023, an additional $5 billion was allocated for engine development, and $1.8 billion for the aircraft prototype. Currently, the Tejas Mark2 is preparing for its rollout from the factory, with plans for its debut in 2024 and full-scale production by 2026.

GE has also received approval and intends to establish engine manufacturing in India for the Tejas aircraft. The progress on the Tejas Mark2 has led to a temporary halt in the AMCA project due to funding clearance issues.

AMCA is divided into two phases

The development of the AMCA is divided into two phases. Phase 1 will result in the AMCA Mk-1, powered by the US GE-414 engine. Phase 2 will lead to the AMCA Mk2, equipped with an advanced and more potent engine developed in collaboration with an as-yet-undetermined foreign partner.

According to some sources, the AMCA is classified as a 4.5 generation fighter jet, lacking some features typically found in 5th generation fighter jets, such as full stealth capability, advanced avionics, radar features, and engine capacity. Nonetheless, it boasts two engines and an internal bay for carrying weapons.

The AMCA Mk-1 features limited stealth and draws inspiration from the F-35, which exhibits a reduced rear aspect radio frequency signature but retains suppressed infrared (IR) characteristics.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.