KKN Gurugram Desk | On May 27, 2025, the Government of India took a monumental step toward defence self-reliance by approving the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave the green light to the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to initiate the project in collaboration with both private and public sector partners.

The decision signals India’s commitment to building indigenous high-tech military platforms under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The AMCA program is expected to reshape India’s aerospace ecosystem and significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) future capabilities.

What Is AMCA?

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is a fifth-generation, multirole, stealth-capable fighter aircraft designed for the Indian Air Force. The aircraft will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including:

• Stealth Technology: Radar-evading design to avoid detection

• Supercruise Capability: Ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners

• Next-Gen Avionics: Including AESA radar, advanced EW systems

• AI Integration: Artificial intelligence to assist in network-centric warfare and tactical decision-making

• Multirole Weapons Loadout: Capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions

Designed by the ADA under the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), the AMCA will reduce dependence on imported platforms like Rafale, F-35, and Sukhoi aircraft.

Strategic Significance of AMCA

1. Defence Autonomy

India has long depended on foreign vendors for critical fighter platforms. With AMCA, India will join an elite group of nations capable of developing fifth-generation aircraft indigenously, such as the USA, Russia, and China.

2. Geopolitical Advantage

AMCA will directly counter China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s Project AZM, offering superior stealth, agility, and electronic warfare capabilities.

3. Economic and Technological Growth

The program will boost domestic manufacturing, generate high-skilled jobs, and foster innovation in aerospace, AI, and avionics sectors.

Government Approval: Implementation Model and Industry Collaboration

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s approval paves the way for a collaborative model involving:

• Public-Private Participation: Equal involvement of state-owned enterprises (like HAL) and private giants (like Tata, L&T).

• Open Bidding Structure: Firms can apply individually, in joint ventures, or as consortia.

• Compliance Requirement: All bidders must follow Indian laws, particularly in IP protection and export control.

• Expression of Interest (EoI): ADA will soon release the EoI to invite industry participation in the initial development phase.

This structure is designed to ensure competition, quality, and timely execution—traits often missing in India’s traditional defence procurement processes.

AMCA: Key Features and Capabilities

 Airframe & Design

• Medium-weight fighter (approx. 25 tonnes)

• Radar-absorbent materials

• Internal weapons bay for stealth optimization

 Speed and Range

• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8+

• Combat Radius: Over 1,000 km

• Supercruise capability (supersonic flight without afterburner)

 Sensors and Avionics

• AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array)

• Infrared search and track (IRST)

• Advanced EW suite with DRFM jammers

 Weapons Compatibility

• Astra BVRAAM

• BrahMos-NG (stealth-compatible variant)

• Precision-guided bombs and anti-radiation missiles

 Engines

• Mk1 Variant: To be powered by General Electric F414 engine (already approved)

• Mk2 Variant: Will feature an indigenous AL-51 engine being co-developed by DRDO and Safran (France)

Project Phases and Timeline

 Phase 1: AMCA Mk1

• Includes baseline fifth-generation stealth features

• Prototype expected by 2027

• Entry into service targeted by 2030

• Will use GE’s F414 engine and existing Indian avionics

 Phase 2: AMCA Mk2

• Enhanced stealth and AI systems

• Indigenous powerplant (AL-51)

• Integration of swarm-drone control features and advanced data fusion

• Expected post-2030

Economic Impact and Aerospace Ecosystem Boost

The AMCA program is set to invigorate India’s domestic aerospace industry. Here’s how:

 Public-Private Synergy

India’s defence sector is often criticized for bureaucratic delays and public-sector dominance. This hybrid model allows:

• HAL and ADA to lead core development

• Tata, L&T, and Bharat Forge to build components

• MSMEs to supply sub-systems and software

 Job Creation

Experts estimate that the program will create over 50,000 high-skill jobs directly and indirectly through the supply chain.

 Technology Spillover

Technologies developed for AMCA (like composite materials, stealth coatings, and embedded AI) will benefit India’s civil aviation and automotive sectors.

Challenges Ahead

While the announcement is historic, the program faces key challenges:

 Technological Readiness

India has never built a fifth-generation jet. While the LCA Tejas program was a stepping stone, AMCA is exponentially more complex.

 Engine Dependency

While Mk1 will use imported GE engines, India’s long-term strategic goal requires mastering turbofan engine tech—an area still in infancy.

 Funding Consistency

The program’s estimated cost exceeds ₹15,000 crore ($1.8 billion). Continued funding across political regimes will be crucial.

Timely Execution

Delays like those seen in Tejas or Kaveri engine projects must be avoided for AMCA to be combat-ready by 2030.

Global Implications: A Fighter That May Be Exported

If AMCA succeeds, it will position India as an aircraft-exporting nation. Countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America may consider AMCA as a cost-effective alternative to Western or Chinese platforms.

• Potential Buyers: Egypt, Vietnam, Brazil, and the UAE have previously shown interest in cost-efficient 4.5+ generation platforms.

• Export Strategy: DRDO may use the AMCA Mk1 as a base model and offer Mk2 as a premium export package.

How AMCA Compares with Global Rivals

India’s approval of the AMCA program marks the dawn of a new era in defence technology and strategic autonomy. It represents not just a leap in aerospace capability, but a foundational investment in national resilience, deterrence, and global competitiveness.

If India delivers on time and with the promised specs, AMCA could become the cornerstone of a modern Indian Air Force and a defining achievement of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”