Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : India is making a significant shift in how it develops its most advanced military aircraft. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has greenlit a new approach for building the nation's indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This move opens the door for private Indian companies to bid for the prestigious project, potentially alongside or in competition with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This new strategy aims to fast-track the creation of AMCA prototypes and get these advanced jets into the Indian Air Force (IAF) sooner by fostering a more robust and competitive domestic aerospace industry. It's a notable departure from India's long-standing practice where HAL exclusively handled fighter jet production.
The decision comes as HAL is reportedly already managing a heavy workload. This includes the production of 180 Tejas Mark-1A fourth-generation jets, with plans for an additional 108 of the more advanced 4.5-generation Tejas Mark-2 jets, alongside numerous other aircraft and helicopter projects. HAL has also faced some criticism regarding delays in the Tejas Mark-1A production.
Under the new AMCA program, private firms can bid independently, form joint ventures with international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), or create consortiums. "It provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis," an official stated, emphasizing that bidders must be Indian companies complying with domestic laws. This competitive approach means the project won't automatically be awarded to HAL.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is spearheading the development of the 25-tonne, twin-engine AMCA. ADA will soon invite expressions of interest from the industry to partner in the development phase.
This push to accelerate the AMCA project is strategically timed. China is reportedly speeding up the delivery of its J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to its close ally, Pakistan. Furthermore, China's own ambitious sixth-generation J-50 fighter is already undergoing test flights.
The IAF currently operates 30 fighter squadrons (each with 16-18 jets), but at least eight of these are scheduled for retirement within the next decade, making the timely induction of new aircraft crucial.
Last March, the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security approved the full-scale engineering development of five AMCA prototypes. The IAF ultimately plans to induct seven squadrons, totaling 126 of these advanced jets. The AMCA is expected to feature sophisticated technologies like AI-powered electronic pilot systems, netcentric warfare capabilities, and integrated vehicle health management.
For its initial phase, the first two AMCA squadrons will be powered by American GE-F414 engines. Subsequent squadrons are planned to use more powerful 110 Kilonewton engines, potentially paving the way for an indigenous powerplant. HAL and General Electric are currently in techno-commercial talks to co-produce GE-F414 engines in India, which could involve an 80% transfer of technology valued at around $1.5 billion.
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