Operation Sindoor in May 2025 highlighted India’s aerial dominance over Pakistan, significantly contributing to the achievement of its objectives.
The swiftness, stealth, deception, intensity, coordination, execution planning unmatched
The operation will go down in military and air warfare history as a path breaking and watershed event for its warfare tactics
India took the war at the next level, and it is set to raise the bar even further.
This is not the India one knows because while some countries flex with parades. India just silently upgrades drills in three different climate zones and prepares for war across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace all at once so buckle up because India’s military might. It’s on another level.
At the heart of which lies the will the ecosystem and exemplary courage.
To take it to another heights, an innovation-oriented ecosystem without bureaucracy will what will lead to a creative and innovation diffusion ecosystem…And base for further catapulting India before projected status in 2047
The Indian government’s ability, commitment and capacity to strengthening its air capabilities to maintain a technologically superior air force for safeguarding its airspace and projecting power, requires continuous investment and innovation.
If this was a surprise what India is going to do next perhaps will shock the world.
India’s need and race for Stealth and Engine Prowess
India has Rafale as 4,5 generation aircraft. The global rise of fifth- and sixth-generation fighter jets necessitates India’s indigenous development of stealth capabilities. While China, Russia, and the US have fifth-generation aircraft, and China is testing sixth, India’s progress, led by HAL, faces concerns. In February 2025, the Chief of Air Staff expressed a lack of confidence in HAL’s commitment due to persistent delays in the delivery of the 83 Tejas Mark 1 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force in 2021, with deliveries initially expected to begin in mid-2024.
Significant concern exists regarding the non-materialisation of anticipated HAL aircraft deliveries by mid-2025, raising doubts about their production efficiency and timelines. This is crucial given India’s urgent need for advanced combat aircraft to maintain air superiority and ensure national security amid a volatile geopolitical climate.
The IAF’s current 31 squadrons (under 600 jets) fall significantly short of its 42-squadron (756 aircraft) operational requirement, highlighting the pressing need to enhance air force strength. A key decision involves prioritising domestically produced aircraft versus interim foreign acquisitions to address this capability gap, a choice with long-term strategic and economic consequences for India’s defence readiness.
Operation Sindoor has significantly increased global attention on India’s defence capabilities, demonstrating the effectiveness of its systems against threats and sparking interest in its digital technology advancements and indigenous defence production. This heightened international interest presents opportunities and challenges for India’s defence sector in meeting expectations and strengthening domestic manufacturing.
Engine Issues Plague Tejas Development
The development of India’s Tejas aircraft was hampered by delays and indecisiveness from General Electric (GE), the American firm contracted to provide its jet engines. This reliance on a foreign entity for a critical component exposed vulnerabilities in India’s strategic defence initiatives. The Air Force is now focused on workforce diversification and India’s indigenous Kaveri jet engine project.
What is the Kaveri engine?
The DRDO’s GTRE is developing the Kaveri, a low-bypass, twin-spool turbofan engine. Conceived four decades ago to power India’s Tejas LCA, this advanced engine features a flat-rated design and a twin-lane FADEC system with manual override for enhanced reliability. However, it was delinked from the Tejas program in 2008 due to its failure to meet critical performance requirements.
What are the reasons behind the prolonged delays in the development of the Kaveri engine?
The Kaveri project faced challenges due to India’s initial lack of aerothermal and metallurgical expertise, which hindered the use of crucial materials such as titanium and single-crystal turbine blades. Post-1998 sanctions and limited government R&D support exacerbated this. Dependence on Russia for high-altitude testing, a shortage of skilled personnel and materials, and the 2013 collapse of a partnership with Snecma for core technologies further impeded progress. These issues resulted in an underpowered and overweight engine, forcing the Tejas aircraft to use GE F404 and F414 engines instead.
What is the investment in the Kaveri, and what benefits have emerged?
The DRDO had invested nearly ₹30,000 million in the Kaveri engine programme by the year 2016. While various critics are quick to point out the significant cost overruns and the delays experienced throughout the project, many defence analysts argue that the technological know-how acquired and the research and development infrastructure established as a result of this initiative will yield substantial long-term benefits. These advantages are particularly anticipated in the areas of aerospace materials, turbine dynamics, and the enhancement of indigenous testing capabilities, which are essential for future projects.
With its future in AMCA, UCAVs and naval applications, and a growing chorus pushing for accelerated development, the Kaveri engine project is entering a new phase of relevance.
In what ways is the Kaveri engine being adapted?
Despite initial setbacks, the development of the Kaveri Derivative Engine continues for UCAVs, such as Ghatak and AMCA, as well as naval vessels, with significant private sector involvement and recent progress. Increased government funding targets the development of the derivative engine for the Ghatak UAV and the more powerful Kaveri 2.0 engines. Public pressure has driven this prioritisation of indigenous gas turbine engine development to reduce reliance on imports.
Indian Navy’s involvement in the Kaveri engine program
The Indian Navy is now central to the Kaveri project, developing the 12 MW Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT) for smaller warships after its delinking from the Tejas program. Successfully tested, the shaft-modified KMGT provides boost power, unlike the larger LM2500 turbines. While meeting Navy specifications, the KMGT is undergoing development and validation before mass production. Separately, India approved the execution of the indigenous AMCA program, with the Aeronautical Development Agency collaborating with private industry to produce India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter.
India’s AMCA: Silently Challenging Western Air Supremacy
India has approved a prototype for an advanced medium combat aircraft, inviting bids from both public and private Indian companies, marking a departure from the tradition of solely tasking state-run HAL. This move allows private sector involvement, potentially including Tata or L&T, in developing India’s fifth-generation jet, a significant advancement for its defence sector. While Western and Chinese fifth-generation jets receive global attention, India’s quietly progressing AMCA could challenge established air superiority, demanding close observation from defence experts and enthusiasts.
Imagine a future where the once unchallenged air dominance of Western nations is in flux, their strategic advantage in the skies under threat. This potential shift could be attributed to a mere four letters: AMCA. These four letters may represent a pivotal moment in contemporary military history, and the story of the AMCA’s development promises to be a compelling and significant narrative, one that could reshape the global air power dynamics.
India’s Defence Imperative: Forging a Shield in a Turbulent World
Though India never sought territorial expansion, this history necessitated a strong military for survival and heritage protection. Prioritising air superiority as fundamental to national security, India initially considered acquiring F-35 fighter jets from the US. However, it ultimately chose Russia’s S-400 missile defence system over American Patriot and THAAD systems due to the S-400’s advanced capabilities against stealth targets and its comprehensive air dominance.
India’s decision to procure a missile defence system other than the US’s led it to cancelling the F-35 deal, viewing it as a strategic shift. Russia then offered India co-development of the SU-57 stealth fighter. Recalling the disappointing Su-30 MKI deal where technology transfer was minimal and local manufacturing expensive, India recognised the limitations of being a buyer. This realisation sparked the decision to develop indigenous capabilities, leading to the AMCA project.
The Su-30 MKI Experience: A Costly Lesson in Dependence
The Su-30 MKI deal, initially seen as a significant boost for India’s air power through the acquisition of advanced jets, technology transfer, and indigenous manufacturing, revealed the limitations of being solely an arms buyer. Despite significant investment, anticipated benefits largely failed. Indian manufacturing costs were surprisingly high, surpassing import costs, and the technology transfer primarily benefited Russia, offering India limited technological advancement. This expensive experience highlighted a critical lesson for India.
The Su-30 MKI experience underscored that true power and strategic autonomy must be internally cultivated, as reliance on foreign suppliers creates dependence that can harm national interests. Recognising this, India shifted its defence philosophy towards self-reliance, leading to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. AMCA signifies India’s commitment to becoming a major player in advanced military aircraft design, development, and manufacturing, aiming for long-term strategic independence in air power.
India’s AMCA: Forging Air Superiority Through Indigenous Innovation
India’s AMCA program is a crucial step towards air power and strategic autonomy, driven by security challenges and the limitations of foreign hardware. This indigenous development of a fifth-generation stealth fighter reflects India’s ambition in the global aerospace and defence sector and addresses the risks of relying on external military technology. The AMCA, a twin-engine, multi-role fighter with stealth, supercruise, and advanced avionics, aims to provide tactical advantages.
The phased project includes a Mark 1 with some imported tech for faster deployment and a Mark 2 targeting full indigenisation, with future AI and hypersonic missile integration planned. The AMCA’s development significantly enhances India’s air power, potentially shifts the regional military balance, and marks India’s evolution into a designer and manufacturer of advanced military technology, bolstering its strategic autonomy and global security role.
India’s AMCA: A Potential Paradigm Shift in Global Military Aviation
Growing Strength and Self-Reliance
The development of AMCA signifies more than just the addition of another fighter jet to its arsenal; it represents a powerful statement about India’s burgeoning technological prowess and its unwavering commitment to self-reliance in the critical realm of defence. The very initiation of the AMCA project sent ripples across the global military-industrial complex, compelling even established powers to reassess their strategic engagements with India. A striking illustration of this is the United States’ apparent shift in its stance regarding the sale of its highly coveted F-35 fighter jets.
The fact that the US, after previously declining to offer the F-35 to India, became notably eager to propose the same aircraft shortly after India’s public announcement of the AMCA speaks volumes about the perceived threat and potential of this indigenous fifth-generation fighter program. This shift underscores the international recognition that India’s pursuit of the AMCA is not a fleeting ambition but a concrete step towards achieving parity, and potentially even superiority, in advanced aerospace technology.
India’s strategic decision to invest in and develop the AMCA, rather than procuring readily available foreign platforms like the F-35, is a clear indicator of its long-term vision to establish a robust and independent defence industrial base. With sustained investment and dedicated effort, India stands poised not only to match the capabilities of Western fifth-generation fighters but also to potentially surpass them in key technological domains, thereby solidifying its position as a significant player in the global defence landscape.
Stealth Capabilities: A Decisive Edge
A cornerstone of the AMCA’s design philosophy is its emphasis on advanced stealth technology, a critical attribute for survivability and mission success in modern aerial warfare. In this crucial aspect, the AMCA possesses a significant advantage over many of its contemporary counterparts. From the frontal and lateral aspects, the aircraft’s design incorporates features that drastically minimise its radar cross-section, rendering it exceptionally difficult to detect and track by enemy radar systems.
This near-invisibility from key engagement angles provides the AMCA with a substantial tactical advantage in air-to-air combat and penetration of heavily defended airspace. While the rear aspect of the AMCA might not achieve the same level of low observability as the F-35, its overall stealth performance from the most likely threat vectors is meticulously engineered to ensure a high degree of survivability.
When juxtaposed with emerging fifth-generation fighters like Russia’s Su-75 Checkmate, the AMCA demonstrates a clear superiority in several critical areas. Its avionics suite is anticipated to be significantly more advanced, incorporating cutting-edge sensor fusion and information processing capabilities. Furthermore, the AMCA’s sensor technology is expected to be more sophisticated, providing enhanced situational awareness and targeting accuracy.
Perhaps most importantly, the AMCA benefits from a more mature and realistic development trajectory. While the Su-75 Checkmate remains largely a conceptual design and a prototype on paper, the AMCA has already progressed into deeper stages of development, indicating a higher likelihood of timely production and operational deployment. This developmental maturity lends greater credibility to the AMCA’s projected capabilities and its potential impact on the global military balance.
Surpassing Expectations in the Global Military Arena
While the Russian SU-57 Felon presents a formidable challenge, particularly in close-quarters dogfights due to its greater mass and inherent agility, the indigenously developed AMCA appears to hold a distinct advantage across a broader spectrum of critical capabilities. Beyond the realm of visual range combat, the AMCA demonstrably surpasses the SU-57 in crucial domains such as stealth technology, advanced sensor integration, and sophisticated electronic warfare suites. This superiority positions the AMCA not merely as a contemporary fifth-generation fighter but elevates it to a higher echelon, often designated by experts as a 5.5-generation aircraft.
This “deadly edge” possessed by the AMCA is not solely attributable to its advanced airframe design but is deeply rooted in the revolutionary technological advancements embedded within its systems. The AMCA incorporates AI-powered combat systems that exhibit capabilities rivalling even nascent sixth-generation prototypes currently under development globally. This integration of artificial intelligence transforms the aircraft into a dynamic and highly perceptive combat platform. Pilots effectively gain an onboard “supercomputer” that operates autonomously and relentlessly, processing vast amounts of data to identify and prioritise threats, acquire and track targets with exceptional speed and precision, and deploy sophisticated electronic countermeasures to neutralise enemy radar systems.
The AI-driven capabilities of the AMCA translate into concrete operational advantages. The aircraft can instantaneously detect enemy radar emissions, analyse the characteristics of these signals, including their strength and direction, to determine if it is being actively tracked. Furthermore, in a paradigm shift in air combat tactics, the AMCA can utilise its advanced radar system not just for detection and tracking but also as an active electronic warfare weapon, automatically jamming hostile radar systems to degrade their effectiveness. One of the most significant advancements lies in its target acquisition speed, boasting the ability to lock onto enemy aircraft up to ten times faster than conventional systems. This capability effectively provides the AMCA pilot with situational awareness and targeting speed akin to having a dedicated Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platform directly integrated into the cockpit, enabling proactive threat engagement and significantly enhancing survivability in contested airspace.
Firepower: The Teeth of the AMCA
Beyond its advanced technological framework, the accurate measure of the AMCA lies in its capacity to engage and neutralise threats decisively. The formidable arsenal it is slated to carry ensures that this isn’t merely a sophisticated aircraft but a dominant force in aerial combat, capable of instilling apprehension in any adversary.
Weapons: A Symphony of Indigenous Might
India’s vision for the AMCA transcends the acquisition of a cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighter; it encompasses the seamless integration of indigenously developed weaponry of unprecedented power. This strategic imperative positions the AMCA as a potentially transformative asset, capable of projecting power and deterring aggression far beyond India’s borders. The program envisions two distinct evolutionary stages: Mark 1 and Mark 2, with the latter representing a monumental leap in indigenous aerospace engineering.
The initial Mark 1 variant will serve as the crucial first step, incorporating advanced yet imported engines and sensor systems. This phase will be instrumental in validating the aircraft’s core stealth capabilities, flight dynamics, and initial operational doctrines. However, it is the subsequent Mark 2 iteration that holds the promise of revolutionising India’s military aviation landscape.
Mark 2 signifies a bold assertion of India’s technological self-reliance. This variant will be entirely conceived, designed, and manufactured within India, a testament to the nation’s burgeoning aerospace prowess. Every component, from the smallest fastener to the most intricate line of software code, will be a product of Indian ingenuity. This complete indigenisation extends to critical systems previously reliant on foreign technology, most notably the radar and the engine.
Far from merely replicating existing capabilities, India’s indigenous radar and engine programs for the AMCA Mark 2 are ambitiously projected to surpass the performance metrics of their imported counterparts. This anticipated superiority in power output, stealth characteristics, and operational efficiency underscores India’s commitment not only to achieving parity but also to establishing a technological edge.
Furthermore, the AMCA Mark 2 will herald the integration of next-generation warfare concepts, exemplified by the incorporation of features from sixth-generation aircraft. A key aspect of this evolution is the introduction of an AI-assisted copilot. This cutting-edge technology will augment the pilot’s cognitive and operational capabilities, enabling a single operator to manage complex combat scenarios with unparalleled speed, precision, and tactical awareness, effectively transforming each pilot into a highly effective, autonomous fighting unit.
The development of the AMCA is more than just an exercise in military hardware acquisition; it is a powerful declaration of India’s emergence as a leading force in global aerospace innovation. It signifies a decisive shift from a position of technological dependence to one of independent capability and leadership in a critical domain.
Air-to-Air Dominance: The Reach of the Astro Mark III
India’s recent unveiling of the Astro Mark III air-to-air missile underscores its commitment to equipping the AMCA with world-class offensive capabilities. This advanced beyond-visual-range missile boasts an impressive range of 340 kilometres. To put this in perspective, this range is nearly half the entire combat radius of a highly acclaimed fifth-generation fighter like the F-22 Raptor, highlighting the significant reach and potential of the Astro Mark III.
The strategic implications of pairing the AMCA with the Astro Mark III are profound. This combination creates a potent threat, capable of neutralising critical enemy assets at considerable distances. The equation is simple yet compelling: an AMCA armed with the Astro Mark III poses a significant risk to enemy early warning aircraft and vital logistical support, such as fuel tankers. The successful engagement of such high-value targets could effectively cripple an adversary’s operational capabilities, forcing a mission abort.
To further enhance its stealth characteristics, the AMCA’s internal weapons bay is being designed to accommodate and deploy modified versions of the Astro Mark III. This internal carriage minimises radar cross-section, a crucial factor for a stealth aircraft operating in contested airspace. The AMCA is likely to be capable of carrying up to four of these advanced missiles, providing it with a substantial air-to-air engagement capacity while maintaining its low observability.
In essence, the integration of the Astro Mark III with the AMCA transforms the latter into a long-range aerial predator, capable of projecting power and establishing air dominance in a manner that few other aircraft in the world can currently match. This potent combination solidifies India’s ambition not only to participate in the next generation of aerial warfare but also to shape its contours actively.
Airspace Dominance: An Unparalleled Advantage
The assertion that no enemy aircraft, including those of the United States, could penetrate Indian airspace without immediate and silent neutralisation underscores a paradigm shift in aerial warfare capabilities. This speaks volumes about the technological prowess embedded within the AMCA program, suggesting a sophisticated suite of sensors, electronic warfare systems, and highly capable air-to-air weaponry. The implication is a layered defence that can detect, track, and engage hostile aircraft at extreme ranges, denying them any operational advantage within India’s sovereign airspace. This capability not only acts as a formidable deterrent but also provides India with unprecedented air superiority in any potential conflict scenario.
Terrifying Air-to-Ground Capabilities: Hypersonic Strike Power
The AMCA’s air-to-ground capability elevates its threat profile to a new dimension, particularly with the envisioned integration of a hypersonic variant of the Brahmos missile. While external carriage of this potent weapon might slightly reduce the aircraft’s stealth characteristics, the sheer destructive potential and speed of the rocket more than compensate for this trade-off. With a projected range of 1000 to 1400 km and a velocity of Mach 7, this hypersonic Brahmos would be virtually unstoppable by any existing air defence system globally. Its ability to strike critical ground targets with such speed and range fundamentally alters the strategic calculus, providing India with an unmatched offensive capability to neutralise enemy infrastructure, command centres, and other high-value assets deep within hostile territory. The description of this capability as “terrifying” aptly reflects the game-changing nature of such a weapon system.
The Revolutionary AI Copilot: Intelligent Missile Guidance
India’s innovation extends beyond conventional advancements with the groundbreaking integration of an AI copilot dedicated to missile guidance and navigation. This feature represents a significant leap forward in autonomous weapons technology. The AI’s ability to dynamically adjust the missile’s trajectory and altitude in real-time, along with its capacity to autonomously evade sophisticated Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) right up to the point of impact, introduces an unprecedented level of precision and survivability to air-to-ground strikes. This AI-driven guidance system minimises the chances of interception. It maximises the probability of mission success, highlighting India’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of military technology and establishing a unique advantage on the battlefield. The incorporation of such an intelligent system demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to warfare, placing India at the forefront of autonomous weapons development.
A Paradigm Shift in Global Military Dynamics. Let that sink in.
In an era defined by intense geopolitical manoeuvring and the relentless pursuit of military superiority, India has emerged as a quiet disruptor. Unveiling its AMCA, India has engineered a stealth fighter possessing the unprecedented capability to neutralise any target, irrespective of its defensive fortifications, anywhere on the globe.
India’s AMCA program is a strategic and technological move to challenge the established global military dominance through advanced aerial warfare technology. This ambitious project aims to significantly enhance India’s military power and global standing, potentially reshaping the international balance. The AMCA signifies India’s intent to become a significant global military player, actively influencing the global security architecture. With the capability that India has shown in 2025 with respect to Pakistan stunning the World, with the type of infra that India has, with the type of ecosystem that has built and above all the type of Prime Minister India has one can only say, IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING.
By – Sri K Siddhartha– Polymath, Earth & Space Scientist, Advisor to multiple governments, Author of 50 books, Mentor to 1600 Civil Servants. https://www.ksiddhartha.com/
Naleen Chandra– Avionics expert, Aircraft Engineer
