New Delhi: Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has sent the design of the fifth generation fighter jet to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approval.
Once the design is approved by the Union Cabinet, the first prototype is expected to be rolled out by 2026. The first flight is expected to take place within one and a half years after that. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the production agency for the project. It has already begun manufacturing activities.
The country's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will be a fifth generation, 25 tonne, multi-role and twin-engine stealth jet. It has been designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency under DRDO. It will have an internal carriage of 1,500 kg of payload and 5,500 kg of external payload with 6,500 kg of internal fuel. The development cost of AMCA is estimated to be around Rs 15,000 crore.
On February 11, DRDO issued a notification seeking private companies to participate in the AMCA project. In Aero-India 2023, the fifth generation U.S. fighters F-35 Lightening II demonstrated its capabilities. The jet has been developed by Lockheed Martin and is considered the most advanced fifth-generation fighter jet today.
The fifth generation fighters are the most technologically advanced jets ever built. They have been designed to operate with the help of digital programs and fly-by-wire to counter the threats they counter on the battlefield. Sophisticated avionics, stealth technology and super manoeuvrability are just a few advantages over older jets that gives them domination in the sky.
Special radars are developed for these jets since the enemies can not detect the aircraft's radar emissions. Features like infrared sensors and visual tools for self-protection and radar jamming make it difficult for enemy systems to detect, track, and engage these aircraft.
(Defence Watch– India's Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)