Developing future ready advanced medium combat aircraft -The Case of India

However, despite having a strong army and navy, India has an aging air force, which can be troublesome for India’s security, future, and foreign policy goals. As a result, India has tried to tackle this issue by developing indigenous aircraft, collaborating with foreign partners, and purchasing Rafale from France. Among these initiatives, the most vital project is the HAL Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), an Indian initiative to create a fifth-generation stealth, multi-role combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy containing sixth-generation technologies.^[1]

This article will address the Indian Air Force's AMCA project's importance and history. Secondly, it will analyze the role of the Tejas fighter jet in the airforce, and lastly, it will address the part of foreign partners in the project that impacts the Indian Air Force at large.

THE AMCA PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India's concept for a Fifth-Generation stealth, multi-role, all-weather, air dominance fighter for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy (IN). The project is expected to develop as a collaborative public-private partnership venture between HAL/ADA and chosen private vendors, aiming to begin production by 2028. It was designed by India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) with a development cost of roughly Rs. 15,000 Crores.^[2] As the Indian Air Force was aging and its number was slowly shrinking, the Air Force appealed to the government to urgently address this issue. Before the project, the IAF intended to introduce the first aircraft by 2010, as the IAF made a shortlist in 2004 to purchase 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) with 4.5 generation capability.^[3]

Initially, the project dates back to 2009; for a feasibility study on developing a fifth-generation fighter, the Central government set aside 90 crore in 2009 and later approved an additional 447 crore.^[4] The AMCA project was slowly developing due to the slow bureaucratic process and politics. Using CAD, low-speed and high-speed wind tunnel testing, and radar cross-section (RCS) testing, nine design variations of the AMCA, ranging from 3B-01 to 3B-09, were examined between November 2013 and December 2014. Configuration 3B-09 was selected at the end of 2014. The fundamental AMCA design configuration was completed in 2015 and approved by the IAF in 2016.^[5]  Meanwhile, the project is underway; the Indian Air Force has attempted to solve its need to strengthen its Air Force by purchasing fighter jets from a foreign country. However, due to HAL's background of slow progress and government commitment to indigenous aircraft, foreign collaboration for multiple aircraft seems complicated. This is evident as a 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) quest was abandoned in 2015 due to the purchase of 36 Rafale, while a 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) quest needs to be revised along with more indication of a conclusion any time soon.^[6]

THE AMCA PROJECT IMPORTANCE:

Due to the current situation of the aging Indian Air Force, the AMCA project plays a crucial role. First, this project's success will make India among the few nations with 5th-generation fighter jets. Only three countries, including the US, which built the F-22 and the F-35 Lightning II, have produced operational fifth-generation aircraft. Sukhoi-57 is in Russia, whereas J-20 was made in China.^[7] This will boost India's image worldwide and assist India's goal of establishing itself as a world power. More importantly, this project will solve the most significant issue that India faces now, which is the aging air force in which only some fighter jets are still operational beyond their life expectancy. According to publicly available information, there are now two Rafale squadrons, 12 Su-30 MKI squadrons, three each of the MiG-21, MiG-29, and Mirage 2000, six Jaguar squadrons, and two Tejas squadrons with limited operational capabilities and no trainer. There are up to 31 squadrons in total. Regardless, the squadron's strength of 31 is still much below the sanctioned number of 42.^[8]

Therefore, due to this shortage, India needs to prepare to defend its territory in a two-front war due to its disturbed neighborhood. Surprisingly, despite the Indian airforce aging and shortage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was ranked higher than China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft's research titled Global Air Power Rankings (2022).^[9] Nevertheless, aside from the reports, India needs to prepare for the worst-case scenario, and for that, practically, India still needs to be prepared. This is evident when the IAF operated on the two fronts serially, or one front at a time, during the most recent air power deployment Exercise Gagan Shakti, which had the explicit goal of showing a two-front capability. The deficiency of the IAF is sufficiently demonstrated by this fact alone.^[10] Hence, if this project is a success and on the timeline, India will be capable enough for a two-front war. Apart from the two-front war preparation, the project would also solve the navy issue, which has a shortage of fighter jets. The navy has already made 57 requests for MMRCA-2.0 class aircraft. They believe that IAC-2 will match Naval AMCA (NAMCA) timeshares. The DRDO received the requirements from the Navy on September 7, 2015.^[11]

The AMCA specifications and ability to undertake multiple roles with new technology make the project vital for India. The AMCA would be a competent replacement for the IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter, as it is designed to carry out a range of missions, including Air Superiority, Ground Strike, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD), and Electronic Warfare (EW).^[12] More importantly, the aircraft specifications will make itself more stealthy and able to control UAVs, which is the future of air warfare. At least 125 AMCA in Mark-1 and Mark-2 versions are on the IAF's shopping list. To remain relevant in the ensuing decades, the AMCA Mark 2 is anticipated to include a more potent engine and sixth-generation features and technologies.^[13] AI support will be provided for the Missile Approach Warning System, the Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring System for self-diagnosis and failure warning, the Missile Approach Warning System, the Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite, and other systems. The AMCA will have a fuel capacity of 6500 kg for a 1600 km combat radius, eliminating the need to attach extra drop-tanks, further reducing radar signature.^[14]

Lastly, as AMCA is an indigenous project, its fighter jets will also be economical to maintain and cheaper than foreign fighter jets. For example, the average cost of a single F-35 FGFA across all versions is over 960 Crores, while the TEJAS 4th Generation LCA costs only about 300 Crores.^[15] In the long run, India could also produce its fighter jets and export them to other developing nations that cannot afford expensive fighter jets. This would also make India a military powerhouse.

ROLE OF TEJAS FIGHTER JETS:

Indian-origin HAL Tejas Mk1 will be crucial in the project and IAF. With the application of technology to create Tejas MK1, India has demonstrated its value. It shows India can produce Tejas MK2 with minimal risk and faster aircraft to replace Mirage class aircraft by combining that technology.^[16] HAL Tejas MK2, which is developing parallel to the AMCA project, will be a developed version of Tejas MK1. Apart from the psychological boost, HAL Tejas MK1 could also fulfill the IAF requirements while the AMCA project is completed, which would take a decade. Currently, the IAF possesses 40 Tejas Mk1s in two squadrons, but these aircraft need to match the IAF's operational needs and are more of a test bed for the Tejas Mk 1A, an upgrade from the Mk 1. While the future of the Mk2 is still being determined, the scheduled introduction of 73 Tejas Mk1A is anticipated to last from 2025 to 2029. As HAL has a background of delays and overpromising, there are high chances that the projected timeline of AMCA might not go as planned. Therefore, current Tejas MK1 and development of Tejas MK2 has a big responsibility to play, even though there are better options.

Apart from the possible HAL delays in the AMCA project, other factors lead to more hopes for Tejas MK2 development. First, foreign deals to acquire large numbers of fighter jets are impossible as there is little progress on purchasing 114 fighter jets. More importantly, the IAF has long had doubts about the current Tejas version capabilities, and the best example of this mistrust is found in the IAF's decision to station the fighter in Southern India, far from the country's northern borders with Pakistan and China.^[17] Lastly, by 2027, a further squadron of Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft will also retire, reducing the total squadrons to 32. If more fighter jets are bought after a while, there will be an overall shortage of 10 combat squadrons by 2030.^[18]

Hence, Tejas MK2 has big hopes, and it seems realistic hope for IAF as the Tejas Mark II is not an entirely new aircraft like the AMCA; instead, it is an advancement of an existing platform that only requires a modest technological leap. Tejas Mark II's development and production should be well within the capabilities of the DRDO and HAL, given their existing expertise with earlier iterations of the aircraft.^[19]

ROLE OF FOREIGN PARTNERS:

Foreign partners have played a decisive role in the IAF since the beginning of HAL's first project, which was HF-24 Marut; the foreign partners have determined the faith of the IAF, and in the AMCA project as well, the foreign partners will play an essential role as they will share technology and provide engines which is India’s most immense backdrop while manufacturing their aircraft. However, the foreign partners could also be criticized due to their demeaning role when India was developing its aircraft engine in the 1970s and fighter jets like HF-24 Marut, as foreign powers never wanted India to pose as a competition.

Nevertheless, India will require foreign engagement for engine development and technology transfer, in which the USA and France will likely play a significant role. The US-manufactured GE-414 engines would power the first 40 AMCA jets. An engine jointly built in India will power the aircraft's next iteration, the AMCA Mark 2.^[20] Due to this, France is also trying to engage actively to compete with US influence on HAL manufacturing. This is evident where France has proposed complete technology transfer (ToT) in the joint development of a new 110KN high-thrust jet engine to power the AMCA Mk-2 fifth-generation stealth fighter. In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, India struck a historic agreement for the co-production of General Electric GE F-414 jet engines in India with 80% ToT.^[21]

Positively, despite US involvement in the process, France will be playing an important role in the AMCA project ahead. As, during Prime Minister Modi visit to France, both nations reached an agreement to jointly develop a high-thrust jet engine for the country's fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk-2.^[22] Moreover, to ensure the smooth cooperation between both nations, a defense roadmap has been developed. 'Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations' was agreed upon by the both leaders. The declaration stated that one of India's most important allies in building an independent defence industrial and technology base is France.^[23] Lastly, it has been revealed that Safran and DRDO will come up with the co-development strategy for the jet engine this year. Additionally, Safran and HAL have an understanding to create a helicopter engine.^[24] Altogether, France will be playing a vital role in the engine development, as while the initial AMCA squadrons will be powered by American GEF414 engines, the later squadrons will have India and France co-developed engines. More importantly, France cooperation would also help India to become a resilient military powerhouse. Since, the two strategic partners pledged to work together to co-develop and co-produce cutting-edge defence technology, even for the benefit of other nations.^[25]

Apart from the engine collaboration, the foreign partners could assist India in producing the aircraft in large numbers. India claims that to develop the AMCA project, it should enlist other countries' help or join a multi-national fighter program like the European FCAS, which has a solid military industrial base and could produce the aircraft in huge quantities.^[26] As the AMCA project is in its later stage, foreign partners will play a massive role in the coming future regarding technology transfer, engine development, and mass production. Even though India aims to strive for self-reliance, in this case, India should take foreign countries' assistance, and then, in the long term, it should aim for self-reliance. Lastly, India's HAL needs to change its attitude of earning through under-license production and instead launch itself as an innovator. 

CONCLUSION:

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project embodies India's unwavering determination to fortify its air power and secure its future within the complex global landscape. As India ascends as a significant economic and military force, the imperative to modernize its aging air force is paramount for national security and global influence. The AMCA initiative, conceived as a fifth-generation stealth, multi-role combat aircraft, carries multifaceted significance.

Foremost, the successful realization and deployment of the AMCA would catapult India into an exclusive league of nations armed with fifth-generation fighter jets. This achievement elevates India's global stature and underscores its technological prowess and defense capabilities. Such strides harmonize seamlessly with India's aspirations to establish itself as a potent world power, adept at safeguarding its interests and contributing to global stability.

Crucially, the AMCA project holds strategic importance in addressing the pressing challenge of India's aging air force. With dwindling operational fighter squadrons, the AMCA's versatile capabilities in air superiority, ground strikes, electronic warfare, and more stand to enhance India's readiness and deterrence, especially in scenarios demanding swift and effective responses.

Furthermore, the AMCA initiative carries the potential to invigorate India's defense industry and self-reliance pursuits. As a homegrown endeavor, it empowers the Indian armed forces with advanced technology while bolstering the domestic defense manufacturing sector. Beyond reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, the successful culmination of the project could lead to economic benefits through cost-effective maintenance and potentially position India as a technology exporter.

The role of the Tejas fighter jets, mainly the Tejas Mk2, assumes pivotal importance in this journey. These jets serve as an interim solution, exemplifying India's aircraft production capability and adaptability to evolving needs. While bridging the gap until the AMCA's realization, they address the critical shortage of combat squadrons and help maintain operational readiness.

Foreign partners' participation, especially from the USA and France, further underscores the project's global character. While striving for self-reliance, India acknowledges the necessity of technology transfer, engine development, and mass production expertise. Collaborative efforts acknowledge the intricate dynamics of international defense collaboration, contributing to shared advancements.

The AMCA project encapsulates India's steadfast commitment to reshaping its air power and enhancing security dynamics. Beyond technological feats, it encapsulates India's resolve to safeguard its sovereignty, uphold strategic autonomy, and foster positive contributions to global security. As the project advances, India's journey toward a robust air force and a more assertive global presence takes a decisive stride forward.

Notes

^[1] Wikiwand. “Wikiwand - HAL AMCA,” n.d. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/HAL_AMCA.

^[2] Dhananjayan (Retd), Brig Arvind. “The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft: India’s ‘Garuda’ And Global Leader.” Chanakya Forum, August 26, 2023. https://chanakyaforum.com/the-advanced-medium-combat-aircraft-indias-garuda-and-global-leader/.

^[3] IAF’s Squadron Strength: Crystal Gazing at the Next Two Decades - Indian Defence Review. “IAF’s Squadron Strength: Crystal Gazing at the Next Two Decades - Indian Defence Review,” May 5, 2023. http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/iafs-squadron-strength-crystal-gazing-at-the-next-two-decades/.

^[4] The Hindu. “DRDO Asks Private Industry to Join in 5th Generation Fighter Jet Development,” February 11, 2023. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-asks-private-industry-to-help-develop-5th-generation-fighter-jet/article66496935.ece.

^[5] Wikiwand. “Wikiwand - HAL AMCA,” n.d. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/HAL_AMCA.

^[6] IAF’s Squadron Strength: Crystal Gazing at the Next Two Decades - Indian Defence Review. “IAF’s Squadron Strength: Crystal Gazing at the Next Two Decades - Indian Defence Review,” May 5, 2023. http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/iafs-squadron-strength-crystal-gazing-at-the-next-two-decades/.

^[7] India Today. “India Likely to Get First 5th Generation Aircraft in 4 Years,” February 15, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-likely-to-get-first-5th-generation-aircraft-in-4-years-2334868-2023-02-15.

^[8] IAF’s Squadron Strength: Crystal Gazing at the Next Two Decades - Indian Defence Review. “IAF’s Squadron Strength: Crystal Gazing at the Next Two Decades - Indian Defence Review,” May 5, 2023. http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/iafs-squadron-strength-crystal-gazing-at-the-next-two-decades/.

^[9] Ibid

^[10] Ibid

^[11] India Today. “Indigenous Combat Jets and Kaveri Turbofan Engine: All About IAF’s New Aerospace Plan,” May 16, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indigenous-combat-jets-and-kaveri-turbofan-engine-all-about-iafs-new-aerospace-plan-2380107-2023-05-16.

^[12] Ashish. “What Is Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft? India’s 5th Gen Fighter and Successor to Sukhoi Su-30MKI [Details].” IBTimes India, March 15, 2022. https://www.ibtimes.co.in/what-advanced-medium-combat-aircraft-indias-5th-gen-fighter-successor-sukhoi-su-30mki-846578.

^[13] Wikiwand. “Wikiwand - HAL AMCA,” n.d. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/HAL_AMCA.

^[14] https://chanakyaforum.com/the-advanced-medium-combat-aircraft-indias-garuda-and-global-leader/

^[15] Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation - Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. “Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation,” August 21, 2023. https://armscontrolcenter.org/.

^[16] India Today. “India Likely to Get First 5th Generation Aircraft in 4 Years,” February 15, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-likely-to-get-first-5th-generation-aircraft-in-4-years-2334868-2023-02-15.

^[17] Bhatia, Rahul. 2022. "India Needs to Fix Its Indigenous Fighter Before Building Stealth Aircraft." Carnegie India. August 10, 2022. https://carnegieindia.org/2022/08/10/india-needs-to-fix-its-indigenous-fighter-before-building-stealth-aircraft-pub-87643.

^[18] India Today. “Indigenous Combat Jets and Kaveri Turbofan Engine: All About IAF’s New Aerospace Plan,” May 16, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indigenous-combat-jets-and-kaveri-turbofan-engine-all-about-iafs-new-aerospace-plan-2380107-2023-05-16.

^[19] Bhatia, Rahul. 2022. "India Needs to Fix Its Indigenous Fighter Before Building Stealth Aircraft." Carnegie India. August 10, 2022. https://carnegieindia.org/2022/08/10/india-needs-to-fix-its-indigenous-fighter-before-building-stealth-aircraft-pub-87643.

^[20] India Today. “How Engine Development Is Holding up India’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter Jet,” October 25, 2022. https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/how-engine-development-is-holding-up-indias-fifth-generation-stealth-fighter-jet-2289359-2022-10-25.

^[21] Shrotryia, Ujjwal. “DRDO And Safran To Co-Develop A High Thrust 110KN Engine For AMCA Mk-2 As France Offers Full ToT: Report.” DRDO And Safran To Co-Develop A High Thrust 110KN Engine For AMCA Mk-2 As France Offers Full ToT: Report, n.d. https://swarajyamag.com/defence/drdo-and-safran-to-co-develop-a-high-thrust-110kn-engine-for-amca-mk-2-as-france-offers-full-tot-report.

^[22] Sagar, Pradip R. “How India’s Stealth Jet Programme Got a Boost from France.” India Today, July 30, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/how-indias-stealth-jet-programme-got-a-boost-from-france-2413718-2023-07-30.

^[23] Ani. “France’s Safran and DRDO to Jointly Make Combat Aircraft Engine.” The Economic Times, July 14, 2023. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/frances-safran-and-drdo-to-jointly-make-combat-aircraft-engine/articleshow/101766675.cms.

^[24] Sagar, Pradip R. “How India’s Stealth Jet Programme Got a Boost from France.” India Today, July 30, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/how-indias-stealth-jet-programme-got-a-boost-from-france-2413718-2023-07-30.

^[25] Pti. “India Communicates to France Decision to Procure 26 Rafale Marine Jets.” The Hindu, October 28, 2023. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-communicates-to-france-decision-to-procure-26-rafale-marine-jets/article67468034.ece.

^[26] Wikiwand. “Wikiwand - HAL AMCA,” n.d. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/HAL_AMCA.

Pic Courtesy-John Torcasio at unsplash.(The picture is for representational purposes only.)

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