Under the Indigenous Fighter Aircraft Program, the 4.5 generation-plus LCA Mark 2 fighter jet is set for its maiden flight in 2026, with mass production starting in 2029. Furthermore, the production of the Indian Air Force's fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will commence in 2035.
Recently, DRDO Chief Dr. Sameer V. Kamat and Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit conducted a significant meeting, attended by key stakeholders of this project. Initially, the plan was to have the first prototype of the LCA MK2 ready by 2025, but it has been delayed by a year.
Source: aajtak
The delay was due to funding approval issues, as a deal for the engine of the new indigenous fighter was underway. All LCA fighter jets are equipped with American GE engines, with the GE-404 in Mark 1 and 1A, and the GE-414 in Mark 2. While the engines are American, the materials used are sourced from India.
Why is India manufacturing these fighter jets?
The Indian government's strategy is to replace the aging Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fleet with the LCA MK2 within the next 10-15 years. Production of the LCA Mark 1 is set to conclude by 2032. Mark 2 will be fitted with the domestically developed Uttam radar and AESA radar, originally created for the Su-30 MKI.
Source: aajtak
One of LCA Mark-2's greatest strengths is its speed. It will fly at a maximum speed of 2385 km/h, rivaling some of the world's fastest fighter jets. It boasts a total range of 2500 km, with a combat range of 1500 km, and it can ascend to heights of up to 56,758 feet.
Equipped for all types of warfare
The LCA Mark 2 will feature 13 hardpoints for mounting a variety of weapons and their combinations. Planned armaments include air-to-air missiles like MICA, ASRAAM, Meteor, Astra, NG-CCM, and air-to-ground weaponry such as BrahMos-NG ALCM, LRLACM, Storm Shadow, and Crystal Maze.
Anti-radiation missile Rudram 1/2/3 and precision-guided munitions including Spice, HSLD-100/250/450/500, DRDO Glide Bombs, and DRDO SAAW will be installed. Laser-guided bombs like the Sudarshan bomb will also be part of its arsenal.
Source: aajtak
Additionally, it can be equipped with cluster munitions, loitering munitions like CATS Alpha, and unguided bombs. The LCA Mark 2's avionics are designed to detect adversaries and evade attacks. It features an LRDE Uttam AESA Radar, a DARE Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS), a DARE Dual Colour Missile Approach Warning System (DCMAWS), and a DARE Targeting pod.
The future with AMCA: a sneak peek
The government plans for the AMCA, or Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, to be operational by 2035. Its introduction would make the Indian Air Force formidable against any global airforce. Let's delve into the features of this fighter jet:
Source: aajtak
The AMCA will compete with the American F-35 and the Russian Su-57. India currently operates the 4.5 generation Rafale fighter jets from France. The AMCA will surpass the F-35 with a top speed of 2633 km/h, compared to the F-35's 2000 km/h. After AMCA's rollout, it will upend Pakistan and challenge China's defenses.
Superior range than the F-35
The AMCA outdoes the F-35 in range as well, at 3240 km against the F-35's 2800 km. With a combat range of 1620 km versus the F-35's 1239 km, it stands out. The AMCA is 57.9 feet long compared to the smaller F-35 at 51.4 feet.
Source: aajtak
Modern displays and command control
The Indian fighter will soar to a stunning height of 65,000 feet. Designed for both the Indian Air Force and Navy, seven squadrons are planned. Following the first version, a more powerful joint-venture engine is slated for AMCA Mark-2.
The cockpit will focus on man-machine interaction with panoramic touchscreens, multifunction displays, and heads-up displays, enhanced by a Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) arrangement to minimize pilot workload.
Source: aajtak
An impressive arsenal
AMCA will host 14 hardpoints and a 23 mm GSh-23 cannon. Additional armaments include S8 rocket pods, Astra Mark-1, 2, 3, NG-CCM, BrahMos-NG, and air-to-ground Rudram missiles.
The F-35 hosts a 25 mm cannon and features four internal and six external hardpoints. It carries AIM 120, 9X, 132 air-to-air missiles, and MBDA Meteor missiles. It can also be equipped with air-to-surface missiles like the AGM 88G, AGM 158, and Spear 3, and anti-ship missiles.
