SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), spearheading India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, has revealed ongoing efforts to maximize the utilization of the aircraft’s internal weapons bay (IWB) to bolster its air-to-air combat capabilities in stealth mode. The fifth-generation fighter, designed for air superiority and multi-role operations, is undergoing significant design optimization to carry a greater number of air-to-air missiles internally, enhancing its lethality while maintaining a low radar cross-section.
In earlier statements, ADA confirmed that the AMCA could carry at least four Astra Mk1 air-to-air missiles internally. However, recent advancements in internal bay configuration and design refinements have paved the way for a substantial increase in missile capacity.
According to sources cited by idrw.org, the AMCA MkII variant is now projected to accommodate at least six Astra MkII missiles in its IWB. The Astra MkII, set to become the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) primary beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) in the near future, will enable the AMCA to engage multiple aerial targets in stealth mode, reducing the need for additional aircraft in high-intensity air superiority missions.
The ability to carry six Astra MkII missiles internally marks a significant leap in the AMCA’s combat potential. By optimizing the IWB, ADA is ensuring that the aircraft can maintain its stealth profile while delivering a higher volume of firepower. This enhancement allows the AMCA to tackle multiple threats simultaneously, making it a formidable asset in contested airspace. The increased missile capacity also reduces reliance on external hardpoints, which could compromise the aircraft’s stealth characteristics.
ADA is also exploring the integration of the larger Astra MkIII missile, which is under development. While exact details remain undisclosed, the AMCA is expected to support a mixed configuration of Astra MkII and MkIII missiles in its IWB. The precise number of missiles in such a combination has not been revealed, but this flexibility underscores the aircraft’s adaptability to evolving mission requirements.
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