Relevance: GS III (Defence Technology & Indigenisation) | Source: The Hindu (Editorial by Retd. AVM Manmohan Bahadur)
1. The Context: A Strategic Shift
The government is reportedly considering excluding Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from the development contract for India’s upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
- The Proposal: Instead of the state-owned HAL, the project prototypes may be awarded to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) led by a private player.
- The Goal: To break the monopoly of Defence PSUs and create a second, parallel aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in India.
2. Why HAL Matters
The editorial argues that while private participation is necessary, completely sidelining HAL for a complex 5th Generation project carries significant risks:
- Experience Deficit: Building a fighter jet is not like assembling a car. Private players are essentially “start-ups” in this niche, whereas HAL possesses decades of “Institutional Knowledge” from the Marut to the Tejas.
- Designer-Producer Fusion: Successful aircraft development requires the Designer (ADA) and Manufacturer (HAL) to work in close proximity. Splitting them (Designer in Bengaluru vs Private Factory elsewhere) could create coordination nightmares.
- Strategic Geography (Value Add): Recent defence factories are coming up in border states (e.g., Vadodara, Gujarat). The author warns that strategic assets should be in the Hinterland (like Bengaluru or Koraput) to provide “Strategic Depth”—a safety buffer against enemy airstrikes during war.
3. What is the AMCA?
The AMCA is India’s indigenous 5th Generation Stealth Fighter. Key features include:
- Stealth Technology: Geometric shaping and radar-absorbing materials to remain invisible to enemy radars.
- Internal Weapons Bay: Missiles are hidden inside the aircraft’s belly (unlike the Tejas where they hang outside) to maintain stealth.
- Supercruise: The ability to fly at supersonic speeds without using fuel-guzzling afterburners.
UPSC Value Box
| Concept / Agency | Relevance for Prelims |
| Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) | The nodal agency under DRDO responsible for the Design of India’s combat aircraft (Tejas, AMCA). Note: HAL is the Manufacturer, not the Designer. |
| Strategic Partnership (SP) Model | A policy under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. It allows Indian private companies to partner with global OEMs to manufacture major platforms (Submarines, Fighters) in India. |
| Strategic Depth | A military strategy where key assets (factories, bases) are located far from the front lines (borders) to prevent them from being easily destroyed in a surprise attack. |
Q. With reference to India’s defence sector, consider the following statements regarding the “Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft” (AMCA):
- It is a joint venture between India and Russia to develop a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA).
- A key feature of the AMCA is “Supercruise,” which allows sustained supersonic flight without the use of afterburners.
- The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is the nodal agency for the design and development of the AMCA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
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