India’s AMCA Programme Takes Flight: A Stealth Leap into the Future of Air Combat

In a major leap toward self-reliance in defense technology, India is set to develop its very own fifth-generation fighter jet—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). In a historic move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved an innovative execution model for the indigenous stealth fighter programme. This model brings together Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry players in a competitive framework, marking a significant shift in how India approaches military aviation manufacturing.

This bold initiative comes at a critical time, as China has already fielded two fifth-generation fighters, and reports indicate it will supply 40 J-35 stealth jets to Pakistan. Against this backdrop, fast-tracking the AMCA has become an urgent national security imperative.

AMCA: India’s Indigenous Stealth Fighter Dream

The AMCA project, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), received its long-awaited nod from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March 2024. With a projected cost of ₹15,000 crore, the AMCA will be a 25-tonne class, twin-engine, stealth multirole fighter jet, designed to serve the Indian Air Force (IAF) well into the 2060s.

With fifth-generation fighter jet capabilities such as stealth, supercruise, advanced avionics, and network-centric warfare, the AMCA is expected to fill a critical capability gap as India modernizes its air fleet.

Why India Needs the AMCA Now

India currently operates a mix of fourth-generation aircraft including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). While these platforms serve the IAF’s current operational needs, they lack stealth capabilities, which are essential in modern warfare to evade sophisticated radar systems.

China, on the other hand, has already inducted the Chengdu J-20 and FC-31/J-35, both fifth-generation stealth fighters. With China now reportedly set to export 40 J-35 fighters to Pakistan, India’s adversaries are rapidly upgrading their aerial capabilities. The AMCA programme, therefore, isn’t just a technological milestone—it is a strategic necessity.

Execution Model: HAL vs Private Industry

In a departure from tradition, HAL will not be the default manufacturer of the AMCA. Instead, it will have to compete—either individually or through a consortium—with private sector firms for the manufacturing contract.

Two senior defence sources independently confirmed this. “HAL will have to fight it out,” one said. The other clarified that while HAL brings legacy experience, private defense manufacturers like Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence, L&T, and Bharat Forge now have the capability to deliver high-quality aerospace solutions at competitive prices.

This execution model is expected to boost defense sector privatization, public-private partnerships (PPP), and innovation through competition, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

AMCA Design and Capabilities: A Technological Marvel

The AMCA will be a blend of stealth and brute force. Here’s what the final product is expected to feature:

• Stealth shaping and radar-absorbent materials

• Twin GE-F414 or indigenous engines with supercruise capability

• AI-enabled avionics and sensor fusion

• Internal weapons bay for radar evasion

• Electro-optical sensors, DRDO-developed AESA radar, and electronic warfare suites

• Open architecture for upgradability and modular maintenance

The aircraft is expected to serve in both air superiority and strike missions, providing India with the ability to penetrate contested airspace and dominate the battlespace with reduced detectability.

Development Timeline: From Prototype to Production

According to ADA officials, the development will proceed in two phases:

 Phase 1 (2024–2030):

• Prototype development and testing

• First flight by 2028

• Completion of full-scale development by 2030

 Phase 2 (2030–2035):

• Production and induction into IAF

• Production rate to be scaled up depending on IAF requirements

India is also expected to develop six prototypes, similar to the strategy adopted for the LCA Tejas.

Industrial Impact: India’s Aerospace Ecosystem Gets a Boost

The AMCA programme is poised to generate substantial economic and industrial benefits:

• Create over 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs

• Boost domestic aerospace and defense manufacturing

• Involve over 500 Indian MSMEs in the supply chain

• Enable technology transfer and skill development

This could position India as a global defense exporter, especially to friendly nations looking for cost-effective fifth-gen fighters.

Strategic Implications: India’s Response to China-Pak Axis

The induction of 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighters by Pakistan is a serious concern. The J-35 boasts stealth features and is compatible with aircraft carriers, potentially threatening India’s naval dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

India’s AMCA, in contrast, is not just a counterbalance, but a homegrown solution that enhances sovereignty, reduces foreign dependence, and signals strategic deterrence to hostile nations.

Challenges Ahead: What Could Slow Down AMCA?

Despite the optimism, several challenges must be addressed:

• Engine Development: India is still reliant on GE’s F414 engine. Indigenous engines like the GTX-35VS Kaveri remain under development.

• Funding and Budgeting: ₹15,000 crore is a starting point, but more will be needed through the production phase.

• Technological Risks: Integrating cutting-edge avionics, stealth, and AI is a complex task with high risk.

• Global Geopolitics: Technology denial regimes and export restrictions may slow down key component imports.

However, with strong political will and support from the armed forces, these challenges can be navigated.

Conclusion: AMCA is India’s Tryst with Aerial Destiny

The AMCA is not merely a fighter jet—it is a symbol of India’s strategic autonomy, technological prowess, and military modernization. With HAL, private industry, and DRDO coming together in a competitive and collaborative ecosystem, India is poised to take its place among the global leaders in next-generation combat aviation.

As the skies of the future get more contested, India’s AMCA will ensure it stays ahead in both technology and deterrence. The race is on—and this time, it’s on India’s terms.

Manasvi: IIT Delhi’s Bold Step Toward Empowering High School Girls in STEM

In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancement, ensuring gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Recognizing this, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi launched a pioneering initiative titled ‘Manasvi’, a STEM mentorship programme for high school girls. The programme, unveiled in New Delhi today, is spearheaded by the institute’s Academic Outreach and New Initiatives Office. Manasvi is not merely an educational engagement; it is a transformative platform aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM, fields traditionally dominated by men.

At the heart of Manasvi lies the ambition to address the deep-rooted gender disparity in STEM education and careers. Despite producing the largest number of science graduates globally, India continues to see disproportionately low female representation in STEM careers—a statistic that underscores the urgent need for such interventions. According to the UNESCO Science Report, only 14% of Indian researchers are women. This underrepresentation is not due to a lack of ability or interest, but rather a consequence of systemic barriers, cultural norms, and limited access to mentorship and opportunities. Manasvi emerges as a strategic response to these issues, offering girls not just academic exposure, but also a sense of belonging, confidence, and community.

The programme offers a rich blend of hands-on experiences, interactive learning, and direct mentorship, providing participants with a glimpse into the diverse possibilities within STEM. At IIT Delhi, participants are given access to world-class laboratories, real-time scientific experiments, and live demonstrations in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Biotechnology, and Renewable Energy. This kind of experiential learning moves beyond classroom instruction, igniting curiosity and helping students visualize themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators. For many of these girls, stepping into an IIT lab is not just a novel experience—it is the first tangible interaction with the world of advanced science and technology.

One of the unique pillars of Manasvi is its robust mentorship model. High school students are paired with female mentors from academia and industry, including researchers, faculty members, and post-doctoral scholars at IIT Delhi. These mentors not only provide career guidance but also share personal journeys, struggles, and successes—humanizing the often intimidating face of STEM. This interaction is critical, especially in a society where young girls often lack visible role models in science and technology fields. A mentor’s encouragement can make all the difference between a girl dropping a subject out of fear, and a girl embracing it as her calling.

The mentorship does not stop at academics. Workshops within the programme focus on soft skills development—communication, leadership, teamwork, and creative problem-solving—equipping participants with the confidence to not just enter, but thrive in competitive STEM environments. Additionally, sessions on design thinking, public speaking, digital literacy, and data analysis help cultivate a 21st-century skillset essential for emerging careers in tech and innovation.

The success of Manasvi is already evident in the voices of its participants. Ritika Sharma, a Class 11 student who attended the programme, shared how her perception of science was transformed. “Before Manasvi, I thought science was just about memorizing formulas. Now, I see that it’s about solving real-world problems and creating things that matter,” she said, adding that she now dreams of becoming a roboticist. Another participant mentioned that it was the first time she felt confident enough to ask questions in a scientific discussion, a sentiment echoed by several others.

The programme also received heartfelt praise from its mentors. Dr. Anjali Menon, a researcher at IIT Delhi and one of the core mentors of Manasvi, emphasized the value of representation and visibility. “When girls see women who look like them, think like them, and have succeeded in science, it plants a seed of belief. It tells them, ‘You belong here too.’ That is what we are trying to do with Manasvi,” she remarked. Her words underline a critical insight: visibility in STEM is as powerful as access.

Professor Sunil Kumar, who leads the Academic Outreach at IIT Delhi, elaborated on the long-term vision behind the initiative. “Manasvi is not a one-time event. It is the beginning of a movement. Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem of mentorship and inspiration, where girls from all backgrounds feel encouraged to choose science without hesitation or fear,” he said. The plan includes scaling the programme to other IITs and regional educational hubs, as well as establishing online mentorship networks to reach girls in rural and underserved areas.

Manasvi’s introduction is particularly timely in the context of India’s broader educational and developmental goals. As the country pushes forward with its Digital India and Make in India campaigns, and as it aims to become a global innovation powerhouse, it is imperative that female talent is not sidelined. The underrepresentation of women in STEM isn’t just a gender issue—it’s an economic one. Studies have shown that diverse teams outperform homogenous ones in innovation and profitability. Inclusion in STEM is essential not only for empowering women but also for accelerating national growth.

In this regard, Manasvi aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). It also complements efforts by global movements such as Girls Who Code, She STEMs, and Women Techmakers India, creating a powerful synergy for gender-inclusive STEM education.

What makes Manasvi especially promising is its focus on long-term community building. Beyond the initial exposure, participants are invited to become part of an evolving alumni network—a digital community where they can continue to interact with mentors, participate in STEM challenges, attend webinars, and even mentor others in the future. This peer-support ecosystem is designed to be self-sustaining, enabling a ripple effect where today’s mentees become tomorrow’s leaders and mentors.

Looking ahead, the IIT Delhi team plans to expand Manasvi’s footprint by collaborating with Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, tribal schools, and NGOs working in education and gender empowerment. Discussions are also underway to bring private sector partners and philanthropic organizations on board to support resource mobilization, internship opportunities, and technology labs for aspiring girls.

The long-term vision is clear: to create a national framework for STEM mentorship, led by IITs, IISERs, CSIR institutions, and key stakeholders in education and industry. By empowering girls early, India can ensure that its future scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians come from all walks of life—not just the privileged few.

In conclusion, Manasvi is more than a mentorship initiative; it is a powerful catalyst for social change. It tells every girl in India that she can code, build, invent, research, and lead. It asserts that STEM is not just a man’s world—it’s hers too. As we celebrate this bold initiative by IIT Delhi, let us remember that the journey to equality in STEM begins with belief—and Manasvi is lighting that belief in young hearts across the nation.

DRDO Successfully Tests Stratospheric Airship Platform: A Leap in India's High-Altitude Defence Technology

In a groundbreaking achievement, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight-trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform on May 3, 2025. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra, this high-altitude platform marks a historic milestone in India’s march toward advanced aerospace systems and cutting-edge defence technology.

What Is a Stratospheric Airship Platform?

A stratospheric airship is a lighter-than-air, unmanned aerial vehicle designed to fly at stratospheric altitudes—typically between 17 to 20 kilometers—well above commercial air traffic and weather disturbances. These airships serve as High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and are envisioned as persistent platforms for earth observation, telecommunication, disaster management, and most importantly, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

Unlike traditional satellites, HAPS like the DRDO’s airship offer cost-effective, re-deployable, and long-endurance surveillance capabilities without the complexity of orbital mechanics.

Details of the Maiden Flight

The recent test, conducted at DRDO’s trial site in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, involved the launch of the prototype airship carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kilometers. The total duration of the flight was 62 minutes, during which key systems were evaluated for performance, stability, and data acquisition.

Notably, the onboard envelope pressure control system and emergency deflation mechanisms were tested in-flight. These systems are critical for maintaining the structural integrity and controllability of the airship at stratospheric heights.

After a successful mission, the airship system was recovered for post-flight analysis and further technological refinement.

A Step Toward Persistent Surveillance and Communication

This successful trial represents a technological leap in India’s ISR capabilities. By reaching the stratosphere, the airship bypasses common operational limitations found in both aircraft and satellites:

• Greater persistence than aircraft or drones

• Lower latency and better flexibility than satellites

• Real-time data acquisition for ISR and earth observation applications

Such platforms are poised to revolutionize military reconnaissance, enabling real-time tracking of troop movements, border surveillance, and even monitoring of maritime zones and economic corridors.

Strategic Significance: Rajnath Singh’s Vision for India’s Defence

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh applauded the DRDO’s achievement, stating that the system will uniquely enhance India’s strategic capabilities in earth observation and ISR. He highlighted the indigenous nature of the project, calling it a testament to Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in the defence sector.

“India now joins the elite group of nations capable of developing and deploying indigenous high-altitude stratospheric airship systems,” he stated.

This not only boosts India's technological sovereignty but also demonstrates the nation's capacity to leapfrog traditional defence technologies and invest in futuristic platforms.

Vision of DRDO Chairman: Long-Endurance at Stratospheric Heights

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, commended the entire development team for this landmark accomplishment. He emphasized that the successful prototype trial is a crucial milestone toward the realization of next-generation high-altitude platform systems with long-endurance capabilities.

These systems, when fully developed, will be capable of remaining airborne for weeks or even months, powered by solar energy or hybrid systems. They will enable a continuous surveillance grid, significantly reducing blind spots and enhancing India’s situational awareness across critical domains.

Applications Beyond Defence: Civilian and Commercial Potential

Although the immediate focus of the DRDO's stratospheric airship is defence, the implications of this technology are far-reaching. Some dual-use and civilian applications include:

• Disaster monitoring and early warning systems

• Environmental monitoring and emissions tracking

• Telecommunications in remote regions

• Navigation and remote sensing for agriculture and infrastructure

With India’s growing ambitions in space and aerial technology, this platform offers a low-cost alternative to satellite systems.

Trending Defence Technology: Why HAPS Are Gaining Global Attention

The global defence community has seen a growing interest in High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) like the stratospheric airship, particularly for their advantages in tactical and strategic surveillance. Countries like the USA, China, Japan, and South Korea are actively exploring lighter-than-air systems to complement their satellite constellations.

India’s entry into this field, particularly with an indigenous prototype, sends a strong signal of technological maturity and strategic foresight.

Technical Features Evaluated During Flight Trial

The successful trial of the DRDO’s stratospheric airship involved the deployment and evaluation of several critical systems:

• Envelope Pressure Control System

• Emergency Deflation System

• Onboard Sensor Suite for real-time telemetry

• High-Fidelity Simulation Models for future missions

These evaluations are part of a larger roadmap that includes payload integration, autonomous navigation, and long-duration stability.

What Lies Ahead: DRDO’s Roadmap for HAPS

Following the success of this trial, DRDO is expected to:

• Enhance payload capacities

• Integrate renewable energy sources

• Develop AI-powered navigation systems

• Expand into disaster management frameworks

• Collaborate with ISRO, BEL, and private players

This airship initiative will likely become part of a broader aerial and space-based infrastructure.

International Comparison: India vs. Global HAPS Programs

Country	Platform Type	Endurance	Application Domain
India	Stratospheric Airship	1+ hours (prototype)	ISR, Earth Observation
USA	Zephyr, Raven Aerostar	Weeks	ISR, Communication
China	Yuanmeng Airship	Days to Weeks	Military Recon, Navigation
UK	Airbus Zephyr	30+ Days	Surveillance, Telecom

Key Takeaways

• DRDO successfully tested its first stratospheric airship platform

• Altitude: 17 km, Flight duration: 62 minutes

• Systems tested: Pressure control, emergency deflation, sensors

• Enhances India’s ISR, earth observation, and surveillance

• Signals Atmanirbhar Bharat in future defence technologies

• Dual-use potential: disaster relief, telecom, agriculture, environment

Conclusion

The successful flight-trial of the Stratospheric Airship Platform by DRDO represents a quantum leap in India’s aerospace and defence capabilities. As the world races to harness the power of High-Altitude Platform Systems, India’s indigenous solution positions the country among the elite. With further development, these airships may redefine the future of persistent surveillance, secure communication, and multi-domain awareness.

Giant Plasma Tides Beneath the Sun: Indian Scientists Unlock Solar Secrets That Could Shape Space Weather

In a groundbreaking discovery that may significantly alter our understanding of solar dynamics and space weather, an international team of solar physicists, led by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), has mapped giant tides of plasma flowing beneath the surface of the sun. These hidden plasma currents, located in a zone known as the near-surface shear layer (NSSL), have been shown to shift with the sun’s magnetic activity and could be a critical piece in solving the complex puzzle of space weather phenomena that affect life on Earth.

The research, published in the prestigious Astrophysical Journal Letters, was carried out in collaboration with experts from Stanford University and the U.S. National Solar Observatory (NSO). The findings not only uncover previously invisible solar plasma flows, but also link them with magnetic field changes and solar cycles, offering new insight into the sun’s mysterious behavior.

The Hidden Engine Beneath the Sun: What is the Near-Surface Shear Layer (NSSL)?

The near-surface shear layer (NSSL) is a region that extends roughly 35,000 kilometers below the sun’s photosphere. This layer is a hotbed of turbulent plasma activity — a zone where the rotational behavior of solar material undergoes drastic changes depending on depth and latitude.

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India, the NSSL is “a critical region beneath the sun’s surface,” and it’s directly influenced by the dynamic interplay of magnetic fields, solar cycles, and Coriolis forces. Understanding the NSSL is key to decoding how solar interiors are tied to external magnetic behavior — and ultimately, solar eruptions like solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that cause geomagnetic storms on Earth.

Plasma Currents and the Sun’s Magnetic Pulse: How the Sun Breathes

The research team used helioseismology — a method similar to how seismologists study earthquakes — to trace the motions of solar material beneath the surface. Much like how seismologists use shockwaves to study Earth's inner layers, solar physicists use sound waves trapped inside the sun to measure internal movements.

Led by Professor S.P. Rajaguru and PhD student Anisha Sen at IIA, the team observed that surface plasma flows tend to converge toward latitudes where sunspots are most active. But intriguingly, these flows reverse direction midway through the NSSL, forming massive circulation cells. These cells channel plasma outward from the inner layers — a process strongly governed by Coriolis forces, the same mechanism that causes Earth’s hurricanes to spin.

“These flows are strongly influenced by the sun’s rotation and the Coriolis force,” explained the DST. “The localised flow patterns we observed matched the global trends — confirming both surface inflows and deeper outflows.”

Why This Matters: Impact on Space Weather and Earth

So why should we care about these plasma flows deep inside the sun?

The answer lies in space weather — the term for all electromagnetic and particle activity that radiates from the sun and interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. Events like solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and auroras are all driven by magnetic disturbances originating from deep within the sun.

When magnetic reconnections or sudden realignments of magnetic fields occur, they can eject massive amounts of charged particles toward Earth. These can disrupt GPS satellites, damage power grids, and pose serious risks to astronauts. Understanding the origin and behavior of such disturbances begins with a solid grasp of how internal solar flows influence external solar magnetic fields.

This new research suggests that much of what shapes these magnetic anomalies may originate in the NSSL. By studying the plasma tides in this zone, scientists can potentially improve space weather forecasting and reduce the risk posed by sudden solar storms.

Sunspots, Solar Cycles, and Magnetic Activity: The Missing Links

Sunspots — the dark patches on the sun’s surface — are visible indicators of underlying magnetic activity. They follow an 11-year solar cycle, during which the sun’s magnetic field reverses and solar activity waxes and wanes. The number and location of sunspots change over time and are used to predict the frequency of solar flares and CMEs.

The plasma tides discovered in the NSSL appear to be intricately linked to these sunspot zones. The study revealed that inflows toward sunspot latitudes occur near the surface, while outflows at deeper layers form circulation systems that are synchronized with the solar magnetic cycle.

This interplay suggests that something deeper than previously understood — possibly in the NSSL or even deeper — is controlling the rhythm of solar magnetism.

The Role of Indian Science in Global Solar Physics

This discovery is not just a milestone in astrophysics — it’s a major step forward for Indian science on the global stage. The IIA-led effort puts India at the forefront of heliophysics — the study of the sun and its influence on the solar system — and demonstrates the country’s capacity for cutting-edge space science collaboration.

IIA’s contributions to solar observations, data processing, and theoretical modeling have laid the groundwork for even more ambitious solar missions, including India’s Aditya-L1, the country's first solar observatory launched to study the sun from the Lagrange L1 point.

Coriolis Force: The Cosmic Twist Behind Solar Circulation

One of the key forces shaping the plasma flows in the NSSL is the Coriolis force. On Earth, this force is responsible for the rotation of hurricanes and ocean currents. In the sun, which rotates on its axis approximately every 27 days, the Coriolis force acts on moving plasma, creating rotational flow patterns that span thousands of kilometers.

This rotating motion twists the solar plasma and magnetic fields into loops and spirals, contributing to the complexity of solar magnetic structures. These twisted structures can store vast amounts of energy, which, when released, drive solar storms and geomagnetic disturbances.

Understanding how the Coriolis force interacts with plasma currents deep beneath the sun’s surface is a crucial part of the broader effort to model solar magnetohydrodynamics — the behavior of electrically charged fluids in magnetic fields.

What Lies Beneath: A Deeper Mystery Awaits

Perhaps the most intriguing part of this study is what it hints at but does not fully explain — that something even deeper within the sun may be orchestrating the massive flows and magnetic cycles we observe at the surface.

As Ms. Anisha Sen, the lead author, put it, “The findings hint that something mysterious is lurking in deeper layers of the sun that truly drives its global dynamics.”

Could it be that the sun has an as-yet-undiscovered internal structure influencing its entire magnetic cycle? Is there a hidden solar dynamo deeper than the NSSL?

These are the questions that will likely drive solar physics research in the coming decades.

Looking Ahead: Toward a New Era in Space Weather Prediction

This breakthrough opens the door to a more comprehensive understanding of how internal solar flows relate to external solar activity. The more we understand about the sun’s internal behavior, the better we can forecast solar storms and protect Earth-based infrastructure.

With climate change and our increasing reliance on satellite technology, building resilient systems against space weather disruptions is more important than ever. This study is a major step toward that goal.

Key Takeaways

• Plasma flows in the NSSL show inward movement at the surface and outward movement at deeper layers, forming massive circulation patterns.

• These flows shift with the sun’s magnetic pulse, linking internal solar dynamics to surface magnetic activity.

• The patterns are influenced by the Coriolis force, the same mechanism that spins hurricanes on Earth.

• The study enhances our understanding of sunspot formation, solar cycles, and space weather forecasting.

• Led by Indian scientists, this international collaboration puts India at the forefront of heliophysics research.

Conclusion

The sun, our life-giving star, remains a source of both wonder and danger. As we peel back the layers of its fiery depths, we uncover not only beautiful cosmic rhythms but also clues to phenomena that affect everything from satellite navigation to national power grids.

Thanks to the pioneering work of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and its global partners, we are now one step closer to decoding the hidden language of the sun — a language written in plasma, magnetism, and the elegant physics of rotation.