India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is an ambitious leap into the elite stealth fighter category. But how does it compare with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II — the world’s most advanced fifth-generation jet?
The F-35 has already proven itself in combat. The AMCA, meanwhile, is still in development. But its potential to reshape India’s aerospace industry — and reduce foreign dependence — is undeniable.
Image Caption: AMCA and F-35 compared in terms of onboard systems and weaponry.
Engines and Performance
The F-35 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, enabling speeds over Mach 1.6 with stealth intact. It also offers short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities in the F-35B variant.
The AMCA, during its initial phase, will use the GE F414 engine — similar to India’s Tejas Mk 2. The second-generation AMCA (Mk 2) is planned to have an Indian-designed engine with supercruise capability, enabling sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.
Want to understand how India’s engine programs have evolved? Read this related article: SU-30MKI Upgrades: India's Engine Overhaul
Avionics and Tech Systems
The F-35 is a flying supercomputer. It features an AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and sensor fusion — allowing the pilot to “see through” the aircraft. Its helmet alone costs over $400,000 and provides full situational awareness.
The AMCA will also include an indigenous AESA radar, infrared search and track (IRST), and AI-powered electronic warfare systems. According to Defense News, India's DRDO is aiming to match international tech standards with advanced software-defined avionics.
Weapons & Firepower
The F-35 carries a massive weapons inventory: AIM-120 AMRAAMs, JDAMs, anti-ship missiles, and more — all stored internally to preserve stealth.
The AMCA is designed to carry Indian-made missiles like the Astra, Rudram, and SAAW. In stealth mode, all weapons will be internal. When stealth isn't needed, external pylons will increase payload capacity.
| Feature | F-35 Lightning II | AMCA (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | Mach 1.6+ | Mach 1.8 (projected) |
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney F135 | GE F414 (Phase 1), Indigenous (Phase 2) |
| Stealth | Operational and combat-proven | Still in testing |
| Weapons | AMRAAMs, JDAMs, guided bombs | Astra, SAAW, Rudram |
| Tech | DAS, sensor fusion, helmet-display | AESA radar, IRST, AI sensor fusion |
Strategic Value for India
The AMCA isn’t just about military power. It's about building a strong domestic defense industry. With support from HAL, DRDO, and private firms, AMCA is expected to generate over 4,000 jobs and fuel India’s aerospace R&D ecosystem.
India’s long-term strategy includes reducing dependency on foreign systems — as discussed in India's Bhargavastra Drone Defense Project
Image Caption: Both jets pack serious firepower but from different development ecosystems.
What Readers Often Ask
Q1. Is the AMCA better than the F-35?
Not yet. The F-35 has seen real combat and is backed by decades of experience. The AMCA is still under development but shows immense potential.
Q2. When will AMCA fly?
The first flight is expected by 2026–27, with induction likely in the early 2030s.
Q3. Will India export the AMCA?
Yes, once it enters production. It may be offered to trusted partners in Southeast Asia and Africa as a cost-effective stealth solution.
The Verdict: Power vs Potential
While the F-35 dominates the skies today, the AMCA is India’s bold answer to future threats. More than a fighter jet, it symbolizes technological self-reliance and ambition. It may take time — but when the AMCA takes off, it will carry not just weapons, but India’s aspirations to lead from the front.
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