India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has recently approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, marking a significant step towards developing an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This decision comes amid growing concerns over China's increasing military cooperation with Pakistan, including the reported fast-tracked delivery of Chinese J-35A stealth fighters to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The AMCA program aims to bolster India's air power capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace industry, inviting participation from both private and public sector companies.
The AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine, medium-weight multirole fighter jet incorporating advanced stealth features, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, and supercruise capability. It is designed to perform a wide array of missions, including air supremacy, ground strike, suppression of enemy air defenses, and electronic warfare. The aircraft will be equipped with future-ready missiles and standoff weapons, weighing approximately 25 tonnes and significantly enhancing India's air power and strategic autonomy. The AMCA is expected to join the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently lacks an operational fifth-generation fighter.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is committed to delivering the first operational AMCA by 2035. The program will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and integrated battle networks. The engine, a critical component, is expected to be developed through international collaboration to accelerate progress and mitigate risks. The AMCA Mk1 will utilize existing 90kN class engines (GE 414 engines from the US), while the AMCA Mk2 will be powered by a stronger, indigenously developed 110kN engine in collaboration with a foreign defense major.
This development occurs against the backdrop of China's offer to supply Pakistan with J-35A stealth fighters. Reports suggest that China is offering Pakistan a 50% discount on the J-35A jets, along with favorable payment terms, signaling deepening bilateral defense ties. The accelerated delivery of these fighters, with the first batch expected as early as 2026, is perceived as a move to strengthen Pakistan's aerial deterrence and counter India's air force. The J-35A, an evolution of the FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype, is a twin-engine, multi-role stealth fighter designed for air superiority and precision strike missions.
The AMCA program's approval introduces a competitive framework where Indian companies can bid for contracts related to the design and production of the AMCA prototype, either independently or as joint ventures or consortia. This marks a shift from previous defense projects, which were often directly assigned to state-owned firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This move is expected to foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem and enhance production speed.
India's entry into the fifth-generation fighter club, currently limited to the US, Russia, and China, reflects its growing defense ambitions amid evolving regional security challenges. The Cabinet Committee on Security granted in-principle approval to the AMCA program in March 2024, with an estimated development cost of around ₹15,000 crore. The program aims to address the IAF's long-term strategic requirements and reduce reliance on foreign platforms. The AMCA's development will bring India into a select league of nations that possess indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
