AMCA need come before 2030 at all cost , 2035 will be to late.... Need to speed up things here like we are doing with 3 billion $ Spy satellite program.
Sadly, think along the lines of 2040-45 for the definitive model. That's why the IAF wants MRFA to bridge the gap.
Even AMCA with GE414 before 2030 would be a huge boost. I think first flight by 2030 is going to be done but induction will happen only around 2036, maybe 2035 or 34 if they expedite it. If we have even AMCA with GE414 by the next clash however it's over for Porks.
First flight is expected in 2028, it will enter LRIP at best in 2030, and IOC in 2032, which means the first 20 will take until 2035 to deliver. Then FOC in 2037 would mean the next 20 would take until 2039, then 1 squadron a year after that. And these dates can slip.
Ghatak could happen early though. The engine's almost ready. It's in the last stage for financial clearance, which could come through once the engine is cleared for production.
These people are way to slow....Countries are already moving towards 6th generation fighter during that time frame... India overall Defense Budget need to go up + defence R&D budget need to triple at minimum.... This time we can not wait..... They need to turn these science projects into reality.
The IAF's 6th gen focus is on a strike UCAV rather than a fighter.
While DRDO needs budget for testing infra, their budget is sufficient for all projects. It's the private sector that needs to enter the game in a big way so DRDO can focus on high-end areas.
What are the reasons for that if you could guess ? How many 5th gen options are out there made by different countries ?
Running a 5th gen jet under a defence alliance umbrella (while needing clearance code to start the jet) is not mastering 5th gen tech. I have used Microsoft products for years, it makes me one user, not the maker of the software. Even if I try I won't be able to code and prove the entire software myself.
It also takes entire life cycle of the said product to get mature enough because all these are combination of various technological application hence contain major glitches that can cripple the entire product within a flash. the proof being Microsoft have to release update regularly, if you use one old version of the tech you will be considered vulnerable, which in military terms is not acceptable at all. So expecting Turk or chinese versions to be mature right off the bat is kinda meh. Low IQ pak will buy the argument but on field the difference will be clear.
As for the slow part, you first need to establish the different enabling technology done to an acceptable standard, like stealth material at component level, passive sensors etc. Then you can venture into the core project.