SOURCE: AFI
India’s ambitious 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program has garnered significant attention in the global defense community. With a focus on stealth, advanced avionics, and supercruise capabilities, the AMCA is poised to position India among the elite group of countries with indigenous 5th-generation fighter jets. However, as India invests heavily in the development of this next-generation aircraft, the question arises—should India open the doors to other countries to join the AMCA program, following the examples set by South Korea’s KF-21 and Turkey’s Kaan fighter programs?
Both the South Korean KF-21 Boramae and the Turkish Kaan programs have gained traction through international collaboration. The KF-21, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with technological support from Lockheed Martin, benefits from Indonesia as a development partner, which not only shares the financial burden but also positions the KF-21 as an attractive option for future exports. Similarly, Turkey’s Kaan program, spearheaded by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has generated international interest, with countries such as Pakistan reportedly keen on collaboration.
These partnerships not only reduce financial strain but also enhance the export potential of the platforms before their first flight. They establish a broad customer base early in the development phase, ensuring that the jets have a strong export footing once operational. By diversifying the program’s stakeholders, both countries have secured pathways for recovering their investments more quickly through both domestic use and international sales.
For India, the AMCA is designed primarily for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with an anticipated requirement of around 120 units. While there may be additional orders for another 80-100 units in the future, this combined total may not be sufficient to fully recover the massive investments being made in the program. The AMCA’s development is expected to cost billions of dollars, given the complexity and the need for cutting-edge technologies such as stealth capabilities, advanced engines, and sensor fusion. The production and lifecycle costs will also be significant.
Without a broader export strategy, the financial burden on the Indian government could escalate, making it difficult to fully recover the investment. The defense sector, which is increasingly prioritizing self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, could benefit from international partnerships that not only share development costs but also open new markets for the AMCA.
Why International Collaboration Makes Sense for India
Strategic Diplomacy: Defense cooperation has long been an instrument of diplomacy. By offering partnerships in the AMCA program, India can strengthen bilateral ties with friendly nations, building stronger geopolitical alliances. Countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or even Africa, which are in search of modern yet cost-effective fighter platforms, could be potential partners.
Cost-Sharing: Development costs for a 5th-gen fighter jet are astronomical. Inviting countries to join the AMCA program would allow India to share the financial burden with willing partners. This approach would reduce the risk for India and make it easier to meet long-term production goals.
Boosting Exports: A multi-nation collaboration would increase the AMCA’s visibility and appeal on the global market. Countries involved in the program would likely become customers, as seen with the KF-21 and Kaan programs, thereby ensuring a steady stream of export orders even before the first flight of the aircraft. This would make the AMCA export-ready from the outset.
Technological Synergy: Partnering with other countries, especially those with advanced defense industries, could bring in valuable technical expertise and innovation. Such collaboration can ensure that the AMCA incorporates the best available technology, strengthening its performance, reducing development time, and increasing its appeal to international buyers.
While collaboration offers clear benefits, India must carefully weigh its options to maintain control over the program’s strategic direction. Unlike South Korea’s KF-21, which relies heavily on external technology transfer, India’s AMCA program emphasizes indigenous technology development under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. Therefore, any international partnerships must be crafted to ensure that India retains its technological independence and secures intellectual property rights over the aircraft’s key systems and components.
For India, inviting countries to join the AMCA program could be the key to ensuring that the program is financially sustainable and has a global impact. With the IAF’s limited order numbers, international collaboration can help secure export orders early on, allowing India to recover its investment. Moreover, an export-ready AMCA would enhance India’s position as a major defense exporter, boosting its defense industry and strengthening its global standing.