India Moves Closer to Building Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets with AMCA Approval:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : With the recent clearance of the Modi government towards the execution model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, India is now at a closer stance towards being capable of manufacturing fifth generation combat aircraft. This adds a significant milestone in India's defense aviation history, considering the fact only three countries in the world produce such advanced fighter jets.

Fifth Generation Jets Global Leaders

The manufacturers’ elite club includes:

1. United States: Dominated the fifth generation fighter jet race by launching the F-22 Raptor in 2005.
2. Russia: Joined the competition with the Su-57, designed to counter the air dominance of US forces.
3. China: Introduced the J-20 stealth fighter in 2016, built at the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.

Significantly, the US F-35 and Russia’s Su-57 fighters were displayed together for the first time during the Aero Show at Bengaluru. This marks a growing fascination with fifth generation aviation technologies in the country.

A Head Start in the US: More Than A Decade

The US initiated its tactical fighter development programs in the 1980s, kicking off with the F-15 and the F-16 as key players. The market milestone was achieved with the introduction of the F-22 Raptor Manufactured by Lockhead Martin incorporating stealth, advanced avionics, and super cruise abilities enabling reach of Mach 1.8 without the use of afterburners, the F-22 is America’s pride.

Russia: Fast Adaptation to AI Technolgies

Although Russia, incorporated its fifth-generation Su-57 platform later into its arsenal, the introduction of artificial intelligence enabled technology bolstered its testing phase. Focusing on enhancing aerial warfare capability, Su-57 is aimed to revolutionize the aerial combat prospects of Russia with the aid of next-gen tech.

China: Suprisingly Slow Advances

China’s efforts in the aerospace industry were reflected in the unveiling of the Chengdu Aerospace Developing Company’s J-20. A twin engine stealth jet that was introduced in the 2016 marks Chengdu’s growing concern towards self defensive strategies.

New Players: Turkey and South Korea

While the number of active fifth-generation jet operators has ascended to 12, the number of developing nations has quadrupled further indicating the easing strive to achieve manufacturer status. These include:

South Korea with its KF-21 Boramae.

Turkey with the Kaan fighter under development.

Both countries are expected to reach their goal of combat-ready aircraft by 2030, signaling potential expansion of the elite manufacturing group.

India's Leap with AMCA Strategically

Now that AMCA project has been approved, India will be working towards developing a fifth generation fighter which will have stealth features, modern avionics systems, and supermaneuverable capabilities. This will put India at a higher level in the international defence hierarchy and will enable indigenously developed military aircraft.