By Girish Linganna
Mar 13: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the domestic development of fifth-generation fighter jets,Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which are advanced aircraft with stealth capabilities and the ability to travel at supersonic speeds without requiring afterburners. Currently, only Russia, China, and the US possess these cutting-edge fighters, which are considered the top predators of the sky. This decision aims to enhance the Air Force's capabilities by producing these planes within the country.
The Significance of Fifth-Generation Aircraft.
Fifth-generation fighters are the most advanced and powerful fighter jets in the world.
They are designed to operate in highly dangerous combat situations where they face the most capable air and ground threats. These jets are considered the top predators of the sky due to their advanced technology and capabilities.
As stated by Business Insider, fifth-generation fighters are classified based on specific features they possess, such as stealth capabilities and the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without needing afterburners.
Fifth-generation fighters stand apart from fourth-generation fighters due to their unique characteristics. These include multi-spectral low-observable design features, self-protection systems, radar jamming capabilities, and integrated avionics. These advanced features set them apart and contribute to their superior performance compared to earlier generation aircraft.
According to a report by Simple Flying.com published on Firstpost, there are currently three fifth-generation fighter jets being produced worldwide.
These include China's Chengdu J-20, Russia's Sukhoi Su-57, and the United States' Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning.
It is notable that the F-22 Raptor, the first fifth-generation fighter jet, is still in use but is no longer being manufactured.
The manufacturer intends to keep the F-22 aircraft operational for at least the next twenty years, indicating that they are not scheduled to be phased out in the near future.
Definitions
Stealth : Stealth is a concept used to describe a technology or design that helps objects, like aircraft or vehicles, to be difficult to detect by radar or other detection systems. It involves reducing or hiding signals that can give away their presence, making them harder to be seen or tracked by others.
Supersonic Speed: Supersonic speed starts from Mach 1, which is equivalent to the speed of sound, and can go beyond that. The speed of sound is approximately 1,225 kilometers per hour (761 miles per hour). So, supersonic speeds can range from Mach 1 to higher values, covering distances of kilometers per second, depending on the specific object or vehicle.
A multi-spectral low-observable design ; refers to a technology or design that makes an object difficult to detect using various sensors or detection methods across different wavelengths of light or electromagnetic spectrum.
Jamming capabilities : refer to the ability of a device to disrupt or block communication signals, such as radio or GPS signals, to prevent their proper function or use.
Reconnaissance : is the process of gathering information and intelligence about a specific area, target, or situation through observation, surveillance, and other methods to aid in decision-making or planning.
Sensor fusion ; is combining data from multiple sensors to provide a more accurate and comprehensive perception of a physical environment or an object.
Interoperability : is the ability of different systems or devices to work together and exchange information seamlessly, often without the need for special effort or configuration.
Low signature level : in military aircraft means making the plane harder to see on radar and heat sensors to avoid being detected by enemies.
Tactical aviation tasks : involve missions and operations that require close air support, air interdiction, reconnaissance, and other specialized combat actions.
Interdiction means blocking or disrupting enemy activities or supply lines through military action in order to achieve a strategic advantage.
Ultimate F-35 Dominance
The F-35 is considered the top-tier fighter jet in its class.
According to Lockheed Martin, it is described as the world's most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter jet. [ advanced networking and communication capabilities of the aircraft ]
The F-35s are being deployed to replace the older F-16s and A-10 Thunderbolt-IIs in the United States.
The US Air Force, as quoted by Business Insider, acknowledges that the F-35s have an enhanced capability to withstand and operate in advanced threat environments.
The F-35 is described as a highly agile and versatile,9g Capable, multirole fighter jet with exceptional performance capabilities. It combines features such as stealth, sensor fusion, and unmatched situational awareness.
According to information provided by Lockheed Martin, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, retired US Air Force General Tod D. Wolters, emphasized the F-35's capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, indications and warnings, and command and control. He also pointed out the F-35's benefits in terms of speed, range, interoperability, and networking, along with its growing utilization among NATO allies and partners, which present substantial challenges to potential foes. This information is reported by Firstpost.
The Pentagon had planned to purchase 83 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin for $9.8 billion.
President Joe Biden is seeking an 18% reduction in the number of F-35 jets purchased by the Pentagon next year.
This reduction is a result of Congress placing a cap on the upcoming defense budget, forcing the administration to find ways to save money.
The new order for the F-35 fighter jets is expected to be below 70, down from the original plan of 83.
This reduction will result in an estimated $1.6 billion decrease in spending on the jets.
The US Department of Defense has allocated approximately $1.7 trillion for the purchase of nearly 2,500 F-35 fighter jets over the next few decades.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35s, anticipates that these aircraft will continue to be in service until the year 2070.
Russia’s Su-57
According to Business Insider, the Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia's initial attempt at creating a fifth-generation fighter, as reported by Firstpost.
According to Russian Defense Export, the Su-57 is a fifth-generation fighter that ensures combat effectiveness by minimizing radar detection, enabling supersonic cruise flight, and successfully executing a wide range of tactical aviation tasks.
NATO has given the nickname "Felon" to the Su-57, and it is believed that Russia currently possesses only 10 of these aircraft.
State media has indicated that Russia aims to possess 22 Su-57 aircraft by 2024 and 76 by 2028.
The aircraft saw its first combat action in Syria in 2018.
Russian officials stated that the Su-57 participated in the Ukraine war.
Experts question its classification as a fifth generation fighter due to identified shortcomings.
Moscow appears to be facing challenges in equipping the jets with engines capable of stealth technology and positioning body panels to effectively reduce radar visibility.
According to Justin Bronk, an airpower expert at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the absence of the jets' involvement in the Ukraine war indicates a lack of faith in the jet's purported stealth capabilities, as stated by Firstpost.
China’s Chengdu-J20
The Chengdu J-20 was introduced into service in 2017, having made its first flight in 2011, as reported by Business Insider.
Despite being classified as a fifth-generation fighter, the US does not view China's J-20 as a significant threat, according to Simple Flying.
According to Firstpost, aviation expert Richard Aboulafia proposed that the US's lack of worry about the Chengdu J-20 could be attributed to deficiencies in its stealth technology, as highlighted in Wired's report.
General Kenneth Wilsbach, the leader of Pacific Air Forces at USAF, reportedly stated in 2023 that the Chengdu J-20 is not a superior aircraft compared to US fighters.
According to Business Insider, there are believed to be more than 200 Chengdu J-20s in China.
Aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia noted that the J-20 has incorporated technology from both the F-22 and F-35.
China is preparing numerous enhancements for the aircraft, such as the utilization of domestically-produced WS-15 engines.
Mike Dahm, a former US Navy intelligence officer, expressed that the difficulties with the J-20 engines are significant challenges reflecting broader issues within the Chinese defense industry.Despite China's advancements in technology, they continue to fall behind Western countries in advanced manufacturing methods, including areas such as engines, low-observable materials, and metallurgy.
"Precision manufacturing," he further stated, "plays a significant role in determining the stealth and capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft."
Could Turkey Enter the Scene?
As reported by Bloomberg, Turkey is working on its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft named Kaan.
The jet, produced through a partnership between Turkish Aerospace Industries and BAE Systems from the UK, underwent its inaugural test flight in February.
State broadcaster TRT indicated that the Kaan successfully took off from Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
After being airborne for just over 10 minutes,.
Turkey's access to F-35s was denied access 2019 due to the procurement of S-400 air defense missiles from Russia.
Despite this setback, the Kaan is not expected to be operational in the near future.
Bloomberg reports that it will take several years before the fifth-generation fighter is fully prepared for combat.
The primary obstacle lies in sourcing an engine for the aircraft, which is the most significant challenge.
The outlet stated in December that Turkey's goal is to domestically produce GE Aerospace's F110 engines.
What is the Reason for India's Need for Them?
India must strengthen its aerial defense systems in response to the threats posed by China and Pakistan.
China currently has 3,304 aircraft compared to India's 2,296 aircraft and Pakistan's 1,434 aircraft.
The Indian Air Force is seeking to develop an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and enhance its indigenous defense capabilities.
India is also aiming to enhance its independence in the defense industry.
It is important to acknowledge that as India works to strengthen its air force and retire outdated aircraft, the process of receiving new fighter jets and equipment can be time-consuming.
Once India acquires these fifth-generation fighters, it will become a member of a very select group that includes the US, Russia, and China.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has also granted preliminary approval for the acquisition of 34 Dhruv advanced light helicopters for the Coast Guard and Indian Army.
The approval for the AMCA project was deemed highly significant by the individuals involved.
India has been actively involved in the ambitious AMCA project, which aims to create a medium-weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth capabilities to enhance its air power capacity.
The project's preliminary development cost has been approximated to be around Rs 15,000 crore.
According to the strategy, both the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will collaboratively construct five prototypes of the AMCA, with assistance from private industries.
India's belief in the AMCA project received a major boost following the successful development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
Produced by the government-owned aerospace giant HAL, the Tejas aircraft is a formidable platform designed for air combat and offensive air support missions, with secondary roles including reconnaissance and anti-ship operations.
Additionally, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently in the stages of acquiring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA).
In April 2019, the Indian Air Force (IAF) released a Request for Information (RFI) as the initial tender to purchase 114 jets at an estimated cost of approximately $18 billion. This procurement program was regarded as one of the largest military acquisitions globally in recent times.
(The author Girish Linganna of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)