This Word Means: Fifth-generation fighter

What does “generation” mean?

Military analysts and aviation enthusiasts use the term “generation” as a heuristic device to categorise fighter jets based on how technologically advanced they are. Put simply, each new generation of fighter jet comes with one or more significant leaps in technology that cannot be incorporated into aircraft of the previous generation through upgrades and retrospective fit-outs.

Note that there is no standard definition of what constitutes a “generation”, and not all aircraft of the same generation are equal. Moreover, the measure of a country’s air capabilities does not rest solely on what generation of fighter jets it possesses.

What is a fifth-generation fighter?

These are the most advanced fighter aircraft in operation today. Distinctive features include:

1. 01

   Advanced stealth capabilities

   In aviation, “stealth” refers to an aircraft’s ability to be invisible to detection by radars. Fifth-generation aircraft are built using composite materials, use radar absorbent paints, and incorporate stealthy designs which do not return radar signals to enemy receivers.

2. 02

   BVR capabilities

   Being invisible to radar only works as long as an aircraft can also inflict damage to the enemy from afar. Fifth-generation jets differentiate themselves with their beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities, meaning they can identify and shoot down adversaries before even their presence becomes known.

3. 03

   Advanced computing

   Fifth-generation fighters boast modern computers and onboard software, which help automate or semi-automate many functions, and process battlefield information at a very advanced level. These include network capabilities (the ability of multiple aircraft to act seamlessly as one, like a hive mind), and advanced integrated avionics.

At the moment, only the US (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) have developed operational fifth-generation aircraft.

What do we know about AMCA?

AMCA will be India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter. It is currently being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Since AMCA does not even have a working prototype at the moment, not much can be said about its features beyond the fact that it will be a stealthy, 25-tonne twin engine fighter jet, with a small radar cross-section and powerful sensors and new weapons. It will likely take at least another 10 years for the aircraft to be developed.

Discussions for developing the AMCA started in 2007. The initial plan was to jointly develop the aircraft with Russia under a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme. However, India withdrew from the FGFA project in 2018.