The “execution model” for India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program has been formally approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s quest for indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter capability.
In collaboration with both public and private Indian sector participants, the project would be led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which is a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The approval introduces a competitive framework where Indian companies—either independently or as joint ventures or consortia—can bid for contracts related to the design and production of the AMCA prototype.
This marks a shift from previous defence projects, which were often directly assigned to state-owned firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and is expected to foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem.
What is AMCA?
A medium-weight, twin-engine, multirole fighter jet with advanced stealth characteristics like internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, supercruise capability, and a stealth airframe is what the AMCA is supposed to be.
Future-ready missiles and standoff weaponry will be installed on the aircraft, which is built to carry out swing-role, close combat, deep penetration missions, and precise attacks.
The 25-ton AMCA is intended to greatly increase India’s air power and strategic independence. It will become a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which does not yet have a fifth-generation fighter in service, joining the Tejas light combat aircraft.
Timeline and strategic importance
India’s admission into the fifth-generation fighter club, which is presently exclusive to the US, Russia, and China, is indicative of its expanding defence aspirations in the face of changing regional security threats.
With an approximate development cost of ₹15,000 crore, the AMCA program received in-principle clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security in March 2024.
The AMCA prototype will be delivered by 2035, according to the DRDO’s commitment. Modern technology such as integrated combat networks, electronic warfare systems, and sophisticated avionics will be used in the project.
It is anticipated that international cooperation will be used to build the engine, a crucial component, in order to reduce risks and speed up development.
Enhancing Atmanirbharta in the field of aerospace
This execution methodology is a critical step towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in India’s aerospace industry, the Defence Ministry underlines.
The government hopes to boost the local defence industry base by utilising indigenous experience and capabilities by allowing Indian companies to bid competitively on the project.
A new chapter in India’s search for cutting-edge domestic fighter technology will begin soon when the ADA issues an Expression of Interest to solicit bids for the development phase.