But even so we lag behind in major avionics such as a fighter's AESA radar or even Doppler radar? Nor can we match something like the Thales Spectra. Although the points you've highlighted are rather heartening. Completely agree with your point regarding the 29ks.
At radar we seem to lack behind yet, but what we hear about the EW systems is promising, even of the EW sensors of LCA, which is why I expect that some French parts of SPECTRA might be replaced by Indian parts as well. Don't forget that we have gained some Israeli know how in the EW field, which helps in that regard.
Don't you think that building AURA will be more ambitious than building AMCA,later would not require sofisticated Data-link systems to reduce latency between the drone and its operator and an operational indegenous statellite navigational system.
We are struggling to induct basic drones like Rustum-1(2016), let alone AURA (Though its achievable if ADA makes partnership with Mig,dassualt,BAE systems).
No doubt it is ambitious, but I see the lack of design knowledge as the main problem and not the avionics itself. When you look at the mock up of Rustom H and compare it with other MALE drones, the bad design is pretty obvious.
That's why I would love to see us teaming up with the Israelis, which have similar plans for a UCAV. Their experience in UAV design and developments, would be a major boost for this program.
The difference to AMCA on the other hand is, that the design is simpler, since it must not hav high flight performance standards and maneuverability, but must just be stealthy and have a good range.
Similarly, we would need way less accessories that needs to be developed. No NG radar, no NG cockpit, no SC engine with TVC features..., which saves a lot of time and should make things easier again.
Also, unlike in LCAs or AMCAs case, Kaveri would be way better suited as the base for an indigenous engine and would have more scope for success. So the basics for such a project are available, but we need still an experienced partner.
AMCA is achievable without any major delay,if ADA/DRDO delinks Kaveri NG from the start and select Thales spectra EW suite for AMCA.According to this pic AESA for Mk2 is in development and it should be ready,well before AMCA 1st flight.
As I mentioned above, that is not the case, since all core areas must be developed from the scratch and even in those areas where we have something under development, we have no idea how good it really is. When you take official statements from ADA and the air chief to account, it doesn't look too good. Eventhough DRDOs Dr Saraswath claims MK2 will have AESA, ADA officials said that it might have a new MMR, but if it will be an AESA needs to be seen. The air chief even said, that they should develop it first and that in needs to be seen if it's a 5th gen fighter or not. Not very flatering and with the mistakes and failures of LCA, I see it as a difficult attempt.
The naval AMCA must be build with an experienced partner as well, preferably Dassault, since they have good experience with developing CATOBAR fighters. And at least some experience was gaind during N-LCA MK1 development, for example re-designing the gear, so that will help too, but when the fighter is focused on the requirements of a single force and as a carrier fighter from the start, it will make things way easier as well.
Bottom line:
Focus on FGFA!
Kill N-LCA and focus on MK2 for IAF!
Kill HTT 40 and focus on IJT!
AURA for IAF!
AMCA for IN!
Improve naval Dhruv with a foreign partner instead of procuring foreign naval helicopters!
Indigenise Mig 29K!
Co-develop AURA and a HALE drone, based on Kaveri!
Co-develop a NG helicopter in the medium class!
MTA as RTA for civil airlines!
That's how I would approach the indigenous projects.
