F-35 vs AMCA: A Stealth Fighter Face-Off You Should Know About
In the fast-changing world of air combat, stealth is no longer just a luxury—it’s a must-have. If you’ve been following global defence news, you’ve probably heard of the F-35 Lightning II, the crown jewel of the U.S. Air Force. But did you know that India is developing its own stealth fighter called the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)?
This is more than just a comparison of two jets. It’s a look into how India is stepping up in the aerospace game. So, how does the upcoming AMCA stack up against the battle-tested F-35? Let’s break it down.
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India’s Fighter Jets: Guardians of the Sky
The Basics First
Feature: F-35 Lightning II AMCA (India)
Country: United States India
Role: Stealth Multirole Fighter. F35
Stealth Multirole Fighter. AMCA
Generation: 5th Gen Fighter
5th (6th-gen tech planned)
First Flight: 2006 (F35)
Expected around 2026 (AMCA)
Status In service: F35 (900+ units)
In development (AMCA)
The F-35 is already flying missions across the globe, while the AMCA is still on the drawing board (though very close to its first prototype). That alone makes it hard to compare, but there’s still a lot to explore.
Stealth & Shape: Who’s Sneakier?
The F-35 was designed from the ground up to be stealthy. Think angular body, radar-absorbing materials, hidden weapons—all the classic James Bond-level stuff. It’s already been used in combat with great success.
The AMCA is taking a similar approach. Its design includes internal weapon bays, a sleek profile, and special coatings to reduce radar visibility. The real test will be in execution, but early mock-ups and blueprints look promising.
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| Cockpit, generated image |
Power & Speed
F-35: Powered by the mighty F135 engine, giving it a top speed of about Mach 1.6 (that’s roughly 1,975 km/h). It can take off vertically (in the F-35B variant) and even dodge radar thanks to its smart design.
AMCA: Will initially use GE F414 engines, similar to what powers India’s Tejas Mk 2. Future versions (Mk 2) are expected to feature a locally developed engine, possibly allowing it to supercruise (fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners).
Bottom line: The F-35 has a head start, but AMCA’s Mk 2 could catch up with smarter, more powerful tech.
Avionics, Sensors & Smart Tech
The F-35 is basically a flying supercomputer. It uses an advanced AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), sensor fusion, and helmet-mounted displays that let pilots "see through" the aircraft.
The AMCA will also come loaded with cutting-edge tech, including an indigenous AESA radar, infrared search & track (IRST), and AI-powered sensor fusion. While the F-35’s tech is field-tested and reliable, AMCA’s systems are still being tested—but they’re designed with the same futuristic mindset.
Firepower & Weapons
The F-35 has access to a massive weapons catalog: air-to-air missiles, precision bombs, anti-ship missiles—you name it.
The AMCA will carry Indian weapons like the Astra missile, Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW), and Rudram anti-radiation missiles. It will store these internally to maintain stealth and switch to external mounts when stealth isn’t needed.
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| A comparison of power and weapons |
India’s Big Leap
Here’s where the AMCA really shines: self-reliance. India is pushing hard to reduce dependence on foreign defence equipment. Developing a stealth fighter from scratch is a huge step—and if successful, the AMCA won’t just serve India’s needs. It could also open the door to defence exports.
Plus, the AMCA will create thousands of jobs and build domestic expertise in high-end aerospace tech. That’s a win even before the first unit takes off.
Final Thoughts: Same League, Different Stories
Let’s be honest: The F-35 is the current king of stealth fighters, no doubt. It’s been tested in combat, deployed worldwide, and backed by years of research and billions in funding.
The AMCA, on the other hand, is India’s ambitious shot at joining the elite stealth club. While it won’t match the F-35 right away, it represents something more important: India’s determination to build world-class defence tech on its own terms.
In a few years, when the AMCA finally takes to the skies, it won’t just be another fighter jet—it’ll be a symbol of how far India has come.
What do you say about these two fighters? Comment your thoughts below
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