i think that is why we are upgrading the Mirages and MiG's to serve till 2030 by then AMCA would already be flying in IAF colors in active service, the AMCA will replace the Mirage 2000 Jaguar and MiG-27 fleet while the LCA MK2 will replace the MiG-21 bisons the MMRCA fighter would replace the already retired MiG-23 fleet and the FGFA would replace the MiG-29 once AMCA enters service the MKI would be our primary long range strike fighter
LCA will replace all Mig 21 except the Bisons, which will be replaced by MMRCAs, Mig 23s and most of the 27s, are or will be replaced by MKI today. All that is left for replacements by numbers was listed in my last post and they will be replaced by FGFA, so by numbers there is no need for AMCA and not even to take over the roles, because MMRCA will do it anyway. The only difference between MMRCAs and AMCA is stealth design, but technically, in terms of weight class, or by roles they are exactly the same.
I stated it yesterday on IDF as well, till 2030 IAF fleet will be like this:
Around 180 LCAs (mentioned by former Air Chief Naik)
Around 126 MMRCAs
Around 270 MKIs
Around 250 FGFAs
=> 826 multi role fighters, all older fighters replaced, all roles covered and by then most likely even with armed UAVs and stealth UCAVs in addition for recon, CAS and deep strike roles.
So where does AMCA fit into IAF from an "operational point of view"? Even if IAF would want higher number of fighters, they simply could add more FGFAs (250 FGFAs is very low for an prime air superioirty fighter anyway) or MMRCAs and don't have to waste that much money for a completely new type of fighter that doesn't add any advantage to IAF.
A better approach.. would be to link up the AMCA with the FGFA..
get experience on the FGFA.. learn the methods.. and the mistakes..
Then go into the AMCA with a 5++ gen idea in mind.
Not only with FGFA, but also with MMRCA and gain from both, to develop an AMCA 5++ to replace MKIs in future, that indeed would make operational sense![
The guys who are saying that there is no need for AMCA should remember that with that with this project DRDO is trying to shorten the gap with technologically advanced countries and achieve self reliance through the expertise gained from LCA development.If we cancel the AMCA at this point of time we will be doing the same mistake that we made with HAL Marut and still suffering today with the LCA.So guys,PLEASE do think for once before posting.
REGARDS. . . . . . .
How about DRDO getting a 4th gen engine done first, before they dream about 5th gen things?
Besides we doesn't get anyting from AMCA development today, that we wouldn't get through FGFA, or MMRCA anyway. Latest techs, materials, weapons, experience... all included and the most important project is still LCA, because that is the base of our industry for any future project, but ADA and DRDO seems to forget that and wants to start something new!
Without getting LCA into production and inducted into operational service of IAF (if necessary also IN), we haven't learned anything. It's a myth that we have gained something so far, by flying several protypes around or having engine, or radar developments started,
we have to finish these projects and learn from the mistakes too!