What Is India’s AMCA Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet, And How Does It Compare With F-35, Su-57, J-20?

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is an ambitious,
indigenously-developed fifth-generation stealth fighter jet program, designed
to elevate the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the elite group of nations with
next-generation aerial combat capabilities. Approved in 2024 with a projected
first flight by 2035, the AMCA is a response to evolving regional threats,
especially from China and Pakistan, and aims to ensure India’s strategic
autonomy in air power.
The AMCA is a 25-ton, twin-engine, single-seat, all-weather stealth multi-role
fighter jet. It is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency
(ADA) with significant participation from Indian industry, marking a major
push for indigenous defence manufacturing. Key features include:
Stealth And Survivability: The design incorporates a tailless, diamond-shaped
airframe, S-shaped air intakes, extensive use of composites, and internal
weapons bays to minimize radar cross-section and electromagnetic signature,
making it difficult for enemy radar to detect.
Performance: Projected maximum speed is Mach 2.15, with a combat range of
about 1,620 km and a service ceiling of 20,000 m (65,000 ft).
Payload And Armament: Internal weapons bay can carry up to 1,500 kg of
long-range air-to-air missiles and precision-guided munitions, with a total
payload capacity of 7,000 kg (including external stores).
Advanced Systems: The AMCA features AI-powered electronic piloting, sensor
fusion, Netcentric Warfare Systems for real-time combat coordination, advanced
avionics, and Integrated Vehicle Health Management for predictive maintenance.
It is designed for seamless coordination with UAVs in complex combat
scenarios.
Engine: The initial production will use modified GE F414 engines, with plans
for a future indigenous or jointly-developed power plant.
Development Timeline: Five prototypes have been sanctioned for development,
with an estimated project cost of ₹15,000 crore. The first operational
aircraft is expected by 2035.
Comparison: AMCA Vs F-35, Su-57, J-20
Feature | AMCA (India) | F-35 Lightning II (USA) | Su-57 (Russia) | J-20 (China) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Status | In development (2035) | Operational | Limited service | Operational |
Engines | 2 × GE F414 (initial) | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135 | 2 × Saturn AL-41F1 | 2 × WS-10/WS-15 |
Max Speed | Mach 2.15 | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.0 | Mach 2.0 (est.) |
Combat Range | ~1,620 km | ~1,093 km | ~1,500 km | ~1,700 km (est.) |
Stealth | Advanced | Advanced | Moderate | Advanced |
Payload (internal/external) | 1,500 kg / 7,000 kg | ~8,160 kg (internal/external) | 7,400 kg | ~11,000 kg (est.) |
Avionics | AI, sensor fusion, UAV coordination | MADL, sensor fusion | Advanced, less networked | Advanced, networked |
Multirole Capabilities | Air superiority, ground strike, SEAD, EW | Multirole | Multirole | Multirole |
Indigenous Content | High (goal) | High | High | High |
Indigenous Content High (Goal)
The AMCA is designed to match or exceed the capabilities of its rivals in
several areas. Its focus on advanced stealth, AI integration, and
network-centric warfare is on par with the F-35 and J-20, though India’s
program is entering the field later than the US, Russia, and China. Unlike the
Su-57, which has faced export and development challenges, and the J-20, which
is already in service, the AMCA’s success will depend on timely development,
indigenous engine technology, and integration of advanced avionics.
Strategic Importance For India
The AMCA is not just about technological parity; it is a statement of
strategic autonomy and self-reliance. With the phasing out of older aircraft
and the need to counter advanced Chinese and Pakistani air assets, the AMCA
will form the backbone of India’s future air combat capability. Its
development, alongside other indigenous projects like the TEJAS MK-1A and
TEJAS MK-2, signals a transformative decade for India’s defence sector.
The AMCA positions India to join the US, Russia, and China as a producer of
fifth-generation fighters, combining stealth, advanced avionics, and
multi-role versatility. While it will take a decade to materialise, the
program is a critical leap for India’s air power and defence industry.
Agencies