Why You Should Know About India’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet AMCA for SSC, UPSC 2026

Why You Should Know About India’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet AMCA for SSC, UPSC 2026
Defence-related questions—especially on fighter jets, aircraft types, and missile systems—have become a consistent feature in SSC Exam. In fact, the 2024 paper included a question on fifth-generation aircraft, highlighting its significance. A similar question on aircraft classifications also made its way into the 202. If you’re preparing for SSC or UPSC 2026, it’s crucial to understand the latest updates in India’s defence technology.

What’s Making Headlines?
India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project its own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet achieved a significant breakthrough on May 27, 2025. The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, officially approved the execution model for this indigenous fighter program. Under this model, public-sector giant HAL and private firms can now compete or collaborate to manufacture the aircraft, ensuring competitive participation from both sectors.

What You Need to Remember for Exams
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), functioning under DRDO, will lead the design and oversee production through a public-private collaboration.
The initial phase of development is estimated to cost around ₹15,000 crore.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) sees AMCA as a vital part of its future fleet.
With AMCA, India joins the elite club of nations with fifth-gen aircraft—USA (F-22, F-35), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57).

Salient Features of AMCA: A Must-Know for Defence Aspirants
Stealth Capability: The AMCA is a 25-tonne, twin-engine aircraft equipped with cutting-edge radar-evading technology.
Internal Fuel & Weapon Systems: It will house a concealed 6.5-tonne fuel tank and an internal weapons bay that can carry long-range missiles and indigenous precision-guided munitions.
Engine Power: The AMCA Mk1 variant will use the GE414 engine (90 kN), while the advanced Mk2 version will feature a more powerful 110 kN indigenous engine under development by DRDO-GTRE.
Design Innovations: Features like diverterless supersonic inlets and serpentine air intakes reduce radar detection.
Fifth-generation jets like AMCA rely heavily on low observable technology. Unlike older generations, they minimize radar cross-sections with special coatings and internal storage systems for weapons and fuel. This helps them stay undetected while tracking enemy aircraft effectively using advanced sensors.

Understanding Fighter Jet Generations: Frequently Asked in Defence Exams
Knowing the technological evolution of fighter jets is essential. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1st Generation (1940s–1950s) – Basic jets with no radar or electronic warfare features (e.g., Me 262, MiG-15).
2nd Generation (1950s–1970) – Introduction of supersonic speeds and early guided missiles (e.g., MiG-21F, F-104).
3rd Generation (1960s–1970s) – Multi-role fighters and first beyond visual range capabilities (e.g., F-4 Phantom).
4th Generation (1970s–2000s) – Fly-by-wire control, real multi-role platforms (e.g., F-16, Rafale, Tejas).
5th Generation (2000s–Present) – Stealth, AI-assisted systems, and full network-centric warfare capability (e.g., F-22, J-20, Su-57, AMCA).

As India pushes forward with the AMCA project, it’s more important than ever for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, PSC and other competitive exams to stay updated. Keep these facts in mind during your mock test practice and revision they could just be your ticket to cracking the next big question!