SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is set to take a significant leap forward as the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) collaborates with private sector companies and academic institutions to fast-track the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems. This strategic partnership aims to position the AMCA as a cutting-edge fighter jet, aligning with the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) vision of a highly autonomous, AI-driven platform capable of meeting the demands of modern aerial warfare.
According to an ADA official speaking to idrw.org, the development of AI and autonomy for the AMCA will unfold in multiple phases, as outlined in close coordination with the IAF. The IAF and ADA have meticulously defined the levels of independence to be incorporated, ensuring the aircraft evolves into a force multiplier that blends human oversight with advanced machine intelligence. This phased approach will see the AMCA’s AI capabilities progressively enhanced, adapting to operational needs and technological advancements over time.
One of the standout features of the AMCA will be its “Electronic Pilot” system, a sophisticated AI-driven co-pilot designed to take control of the aircraft during critical scenarios. This system will allow the human pilot to focus on operating weapons systems during combat, while the Electronic Pilot handles navigation and flight control. Beyond combat, the feature will enable the AMCA to autonomously traverse the length and breadth of India, executing long-range missions with minimal pilot intervention. The ADA has already identified key tasks for this system, including autonomous takeoffs and landings—a capability that will reduce pilot workload and enhance operational efficiency.
The AMCA’s autonomous systems will extend beyond solo flight operations, incorporating advanced features like Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). This technology will enable the fighter jet to serve as a command node, seamlessly sharing real-time situational awareness with unmanned platforms such as Loyal Wingman drones and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) operating in its vicinity. Through MUM-T, the AMCA will relay critical battlefield data to these unmanned assets without requiring the pilot to manually input commands, enhancing coordination and effectiveness in complex combat zones.
ADA’s decision to collaborate with private industry and academia reflects a broader push to harness India’s growing technological ecosystem. Private companies, with their agility and innovation, alongside academic institutions renowned for cutting-edge research, will play a pivotal role in developing the AI algorithms, sensor fusion technologies, and autonomous systems integral to the AMCA. This partnership is expected to accelerate timelines, ensuring the aircraft meets its projected induction target in the early 2030s while keeping costs manageable under the estimated ?15,000 crore (US$1.8 billion) development budget.
The AMCA, designed as a stealthy, multi-role fighter with a combat range of over 2,800 km and supercruise capability, is already a cornerstone of India’s Indigenous defence ambitions. The integration of AI and autonomy will further distinguish it from contemporaries like the U.S. F-35 or Russia’s Su-57, aligning it with global trends toward sixth-generation fighter concepts. Tasks such as autonomous runway operations, mid-air refuelling coordination, and real-time threat assessment are among those listed by ADA, with the potential for future upgrades as AI technology matures.
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