DRDO and Industry Partners Enhance AMCA 5th Gen Fighter with Indigenous LAD and Digital FBW System

India has taken a major leap in indigenous defense technology with the development of critical systems for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the country’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with private industry partner Data Patterns, has successfully created two groundbreaking components that will enhance the AMCA’s performance and pilot capabilities.

One of the most notable achievements is the indigenous Large Area Display (LAD), designed specifically for the AMCA cockpit. This high-resolution, wide-format display consolidates mission data, sensor inputs, and flight information into a single interface, offering pilots unparalleled situational awareness. Beyond just displaying information, the LAD incorporates an AI-enabled electronic piloting system, acting as a virtual co-pilot. This AI assistant supports pilots during complex maneuvers and combat situations by providing real-time decision support and reducing workload, similar to advanced systems seen in other fifth-generation fighters globally.

In addition to the display, DRDO and its private partner have developed the digital Fly-by-Wire (FBW) computer with quadruplex redundancy. This system replaces traditional mechanical flight controls with electronic ones, providing precise handling and enhanced safety. The quadruplex redundancy ensures the aircraft remains fully controllable even if one or more channels fail, a critical feature for maintaining operational reliability in combat scenarios.

These developments highlight the growing collaboration between DRDO and India’s private defense sector. By building these systems domestically, India is reducing dependence on foreign technology while bolstering its own defense ecosystem. The AMCA, equipped with AI-driven displays and advanced flight control systems, is set to become a flagship of India’s aerospace capabilities.

The first flight of the AMCA is scheduled for 2027 to 2028, and these indigenous technological advancements mark a significant milestone on the path to operational deployment. With AI-assisted piloting and highly reliable control systems, the AMCA promises to be a world-class fighter jet, capable of matching global fifth-generation aircraft standards while showcasing India’s growing technological self-reliance.---