In order to achieve strategic autonomy and bolster its aerospace sector, India is constructing a full indigenous fighter ecosystem centered around the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the TEJAS MK-2.
Designed to bridge the gap between the light TEJAS MK-1A and heavier twin-engine fighters like the Rafale, the 4.5-generation medium-weight multi-role fighter is known as the TEJAS MK-2.
In order to sustain squadron strength and provide a domestically made multi-role platform capable of air superiority and ground attack tasks, it is planned to replace the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) aging fleets of Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft.
Powered by the GE F414 engine, which has an initial 82% indigenous content and is anticipated to reach over 90% following licensed engine manufacture, the TEJAS MK-2 has an extended airframe, close-coupled canards, indigenous armaments, and contemporary avionics.
The AMCA is India’s planned fifth-generation stealth fighter, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is a 25-ton, twin-engine multi-role stealth aircraft designed to feature advanced characteristics such as stealth shaping, internal weapons bays, super-cruise capability, advanced sensor fusion, electronic warfare suites, and AI-assisted avionics.
The AMCA aims to excel in air superiority, deep strike, electronic warfare, and suppression of enemy air defences, forming the high-end strategic asset complementing the TEJAS MK-2 within the IAF.
The program, which aims to gradually replace older aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, has recently reached its execution phase with clearance for five prototype improvements scheduled for completion by about 2035.
Several indigenous technology, including as the Uttam AESA radar, electronic warfare suites, avionics, and smart weapon integration, are shared by the AMCA and TEJAS MK-2. The AMCA’s MK-1 prototype engines are technologically based on the same GE F414 engine that powers the TEJAS MK-2, allowing for simpler industrial scale and technical continuity.
In order to improve performance, payload, and endurance, more modern engines for both platforms are being developed through active partnership exploration, most notably with the French company Safran. This would encourage domestic engine manufacture and lessen need on US supply.
The construction of these two aircraft at the same time promotes the expansion of a long-term domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that includes commercial suppliers, DRDO, and HAL.
By concentrating on producing radars, sensors, flight control systems, and missiles domestically, this ecosystem reduces reliance on imports and develops skills that may be used to sixth-generation fighter designs in the future.
Strategically, India will be able to retain strong squadron numbers and improve air combat readiness until the 2030s and beyond because to the AMCA’s advanced stealth platform and the TEJAS MK-2’s high-volume workhorse.
The TEJAS MK-2’s integration of AMCA’s cutting-edge AI capabilities is expected to improve pilot productivity and operational coordination, establishing a networked combat ecosystem in which the two aircraft function in tandem under challenging conditions.
By providing medium-weight and stealth platforms to partner countries in Asia, Africa, and South America without relying on foreign OEMs, this domestic ecosystem not only guarantees strategic autonomy in defense procurement but also greatly increases India’s fighter export potential.
To put it succinctly, the TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA together constitute a multi-layered Indian fighter ecosystem that spans 4.5-generation to fifth-generation technologies. Its objectives are to replace numerous legacy fleets, maintain squadron readiness, promote independence, and establish India as a major exporter of aerospace and defense.
