AMCA really is nothing more than assurance for pakfa progress. Really, without Rafale there could be no hope for AMCA. They have never tackled engine manufacturing at an advanced level, and I’m not talking just fighter jet engines. They rely on outside partners for their electronics integration. With their track record I doubt the planned 2017 demonstrator will make it in the air before 2019.
Quite a harsh assessment, not sure how you see AMCA as a hedge for FGFA/PAK-FA as they are a totally different class of fighter. AfaIk, AMCA is destined to replace MiG-29, M2K, Jaguar, MiG-27 etc. but not Su-30MKI!
I agree on ‘leveraging the French’ but why not? They’re paying premium prices (for a premium product), and excluding SAAB, would the US or EADS be so transparent and co-operative with their cutting-edge tech? I think not.
Besides, the Indians are in a prime position, having the hottest defence market for probably decades to come, they can utilise this leverage until their domestic suppliers get up to speed, whether private or state (that’s the whole idea of offsets).
As for engines, expect a ‘joint venture’ deal for the de facto re-branded M-88X to be signed sometime this year, to power AMCA & future Rafale upgrade. The Indians can indigenously manufacture the AL-31P from scratch…..and the Chinese (still) can’t.
Obviously the priority Indian stealth programme is the FGFA, but given that Indian participation at such a late stage is quite limited (aside from the 2-seater which will be a somewhat drawn out affair)and involves mainly licensing, tech transfer and indigenous avionics integration.
However, recently I’ve got the impression that the ‘AURA’ UCAV has a higher priority than the AMCA. Remember the Indian govt. put out an RPF for outright purchases a few years ago and, failing that, have pursued a ‘technology partner’ for their future UCAV. Even though the ‘AURA’ is very ‘hush-hush’, it appears that things are moving much faster and have more momentum behind the scenes than for the more ‘white world’ AMCA.
Such a stealth strike asset will fit into the future IAF portfolio very nicely and will keep upgraded assets and Rafale relevant and effective for many years. Maybe this points to an acknowledged protracted development for the steep learning curve that will be the AMCA- benefitting from lessons learned from the FGFA, AURA, Rafale and the ‘Super 30’ upgrade.
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