Fifth generation aircraft

A British F-35B stealth fighter jet from the UK’s Carrier Strike Group made an emergency landing in Kerala due to a technical malfunction and is being repaired with support from Indian authorities.

5th-Generation Fighter Jet:

• Fifth-generation (5G) fighter jets are advanced combat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike roles in highly contested environments. They are built with stealth, advanced avionics, and multirole versatility.

Key Capabilities:

• Stealth Design: Multi-spectral low observability to avoid radar, infrared, and visual detection.
• Supercruise: Ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners.
• Sensor Fusion: Integrated sensors and data fusion for real-time battlefield awareness.
• Network-Centric Warfare: High interoperability with other platforms (land, sea, air, and space).
• Electronic Warfare: Equipped with radar jamming, self-protection, and decoy capabilities.
• Advanced Weapons Integration: Internal weapons bays for reduced radar signature.

Current Global Operators:

1. F-22 Raptor (USA)

• Role: Air Superiority Fighter
• Developer: Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force
• Key Features:
  • First operational 5th-generation stealth fighter.
  • Prioritizes stealth, supercruise, advanced avionics, and agility.
  • Highly maneuverable with thrust-vectoring nozzles.

2. F-35 Lightning II (USA)

• Role: Multirole Stealth Fighter
• Developer: Lockheed Martin for U.S. and allied forces
• Variants:
  • F-35A – Conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) for the U.S. Air Force.
  • F-35B – Short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) for the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • F-35C – Carrier-based variant for the U.S. Navy.
• Key Features:
  • Stealth, advanced data fusion, sensor integration, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
  • Extensive global user base including NATO allies and partners like Japan, Australia, and Israel.

3. Sukhoi Su-57 (Russia)

• Role: Multirole Stealth Fighter (Air superiority + Ground attack)
• Developer: Sukhoi, under United Aircraft Corporation
• Key Features:
  • Stealthy design with super-maneuverability and advanced avionics.
  • Equipped with radar-absorbing materials and internal weapon bays.
  • Emphasis on agility using thrust-vectoring engines.

4. KF-21 Boramae (South Korea)

• Role: Multirole Fighter (4.5 to 5th-generation hybrid)
• Developer: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), in partnership with Indonesia
• Key Features:
  • Incorporates stealth shaping, AESA radar, and internal weapon integration in later phases.
  • Intended as a cost-effective alternative to F-35 with scalable upgrades.
  • Future variants expected to evolve into full 5th-gen status.

5. HAL AMCA (India)

• Role: 5th-Generation Stealth Multirole Fighter (Under development)
• Developer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Key Features:
  • Designed with stealth shaping, internal weapon bays, supercruise capability, and AI-assisted avionics.
  • Targeted to achieve both air superiority and deep-strike capabilities.
  • May integrate 6th-gen features in later Mk2 versions (e.g., directed energy weapons, manned-unmanned teaming).

Strategic Need for India

• IAF Fighter Strength:
  • India currently operates ~30 fighter squadrons, short of the sanctioned strength of 42.
  • The phasing out of legacy platforms like MiG-21s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, and Mirage 2000s necessitates rapid modernization.
• Regional Security Context:
  • China: Operates over 3,300 aircraft, including 5G platforms like J-20.
  • Pakistan: Operates around 1,430 aircraft, with close military ties with China.
  • India: Operates about 2,300 aircraft, but many are older-generation fighters.
• Operational Urgency:
  • With two hostile fronts (China and Pakistan), India requires enhanced air power with stealth, long-range strike, and survivability features.
  • Indigenous development of 5G aircraft enhances strategic autonomy and reduces reliance on foreign imports.