SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided not to focus on or pursue a 6th generation combat aircraft platform that was previously anticipated by 2040. Instead, the IAF will prioritize the development and induction of the 5.5 generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with plans for induction beginning in 2035 and continuing into the mid-2040s.
An anonymous IAF official revealed to idrw.org that the service is now concentrating on the AMCA program, with the initial induction expected to commence from 2035 onwards, with a major chunk of the fleet entering service by the early 2040s. The IAF aims to continue inducting AMCA even into the mid-2040s, thereby pushing back the timeline for any potential 6th-generation program to the early to mid-2040s.
According to an IAF official who chose to remain anonymous, the decision to delay the pursuit of a 6th generation platform stems from the need for designs that can adapt to changing threats and considerations of affordability. While 6th-generation fighter concepts are still in flux and evolving, the IAF has opted to focus on the more concrete and attainable AMCA program.
The AMCA is poised to become a critical asset for the IAF, representing a leap forward from current 5th-generation fighters. India’s AMCA program will build on 5th-generation technologies initially developed in the United States two decades ago, incorporating newer advancements to create a 5.5-generation fighter jet that surpasses existing 5th-generation platforms.
The AMCA, on the other hand, is seen as a more immediate and achievable goal. The induction of the AMCA fleet will begin in 2035, with a significant portion of the fleet expected to be operational by the early 2040s. The IAF plans to continue inducting the AMCA into the mid-2040s, ensuring that it becomes the backbone of India’s air superiority for the foreseeable future.
The IAF’s decision to focus on the AMCA program reflects a pragmatic approach to aircraft development, prioritizing achievable goals while keeping an eye on future technological advancements. While the sixth generation fighter remains a long-term aspiration, the service is determined to ensure that the AMCA forms the backbone of its combat fleet for the coming decades.
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