India's defense sector has received a significant boost with the approval of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, paving the way for the development of a fifth-generation indigenous fighter jet. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh green-lighted the project, marking a major leap towards self-reliance ('Aatmanirbharta') in aerospace and bolstering the country's air power.
The AMCA project, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), envisions a twin-engine, medium-weight multirole fighter jet equipped with advanced stealth features. These include a stealth airframe, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, and supercruise capability. Designed for deep penetration missions, close combat, swing-role operations, and precision strikes, the AMCA will be armed with future-ready missiles and standoff weapons. The 25-tonne aircraft will also feature AI-assisted electronic piloting, Netcentric Warfare Systems, advanced avionics, and Integrated Vehicle Health Management for predictive maintenance, enabling seamless coordination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in real-time combat scenarios. Its internal fuel tank will hold up to 6.5 tonnes of fuel, providing an extended operational range, while the internal weapons bay can carry a payload of up to 1,500 kg.
This decision signifies a shift in India's defense procurement strategy, promoting indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. The move aims to foster a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, with private sector companies invited to participate either independently, through joint ventures, or as part of consortia. This collaborative approach, a departure from the previous reliance on state-owned firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), seeks to accelerate the development and production of the AMCA.
The AMCA is expected to join the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF intends to induct seven squadrons (126 jets) of the AMCA. While the first two AMCA squadrons will be powered by American GE-F414 engines, the subsequent five will feature more powerful 110 Kilonewton engines. HAL and General Electric are in talks for the co-production of GE-F414 engines in India, which will include 80% transfer of technology for around $1.5 billion.
The DRDO has committed to delivering the first operational AMCA by 2035. To develop the jet's complex engine, India is expected to partner with a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM), ensuring the platform meets both domestic and export potential.
The AMCA program's approval comes amid evolving regional security challenges and is designed to counter modern aerial threats and regional rival advancements. It is seen as a response to the increasing military cooperation between China and Pakistan and will play a key role in bolstering India's defense capability. With this, India aims to enter an elite club of nations, including the US, Russia, and China, that operate fifth-generation stealth fighter jets.
