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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:
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Stealth shaping and radar-absorbent materials
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Twin GE-F414 or indigenous engines with supercruise capability
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AI-enabled avionics and sensor fusion
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Internal weapons bay for radar evasion
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Electro-optical sensors, DRDO-developed AESA radar, and electronic warfare suites
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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):
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Prototype development and testing
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First flight by 2028
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Completion of full-scale development by 2030
Phase 2 (2030–2035):
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Production and induction into IAF
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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:
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Create over 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs
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Boost domestic aerospace and defense manufacturing
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Involve over 500 Indian MSMEs in the supply chain
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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:
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Engine Development: India is still reliant on GE’s F414 engine. Indigenous engines like the GTX-35VS Kaveri remain under development.
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Funding and Budgeting: ₹15,000 crore is a starting point, but more will be needed through the production phase.
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Technological Risks: Integrating cutting-edge avionics, stealth, and AI is a complex task with high risk.
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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.