In a landmark move poised to redefine India’s aerospace and defence trajectory, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the “Execution Model” for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme—a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet initiative that is central to India’s strategic self-reliance in defence.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a key arm of the DRDO, will spearhead this ambitious project through a public-private industry collaboration. The approval not only accelerates India’s efforts toward fielding a world-class fighter jet but also signals a decisive shift towards empowering Indian defence manufacturing through equitable participation from both public and private sectors.
Set against the backdrop of regional tensions and the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) shrinking squadron strength, the AMCA initiative couldn’t be more timely. With only 31 squadrons operational against an authorised strength of 42.5, the IAF has been pushing for indigenous advancements to supplement imported aircraft. The AMCA, with its stealth design, internal weapons bay, serpentine air-intake, and next-gen sensor fusion capabilities, is envisioned to bridge this critical gap. This becomes all the more critical in light of China’s growing proximity to Pakistan, and their recent deal for J-35A Stealth Fighter Jets.
Under the approved framework, Indian companies—individually, or through joint ventures and consortia—can bid for participation. This democratization of opportunity marks a major milestone in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and the growing maturity of India’s domestic aerospace ecosystem.
Valued at ₹15,000 crore for the development phase alone, the AMCA will roll out its first two squadrons with GE-F414 engines, followed by five more using higher-thrust 110 kN engines. Production is anticipated by 2035, following the induction of Tejas Mark-1A and Mark-2 variants—each playing a critical role in strengthening the IAF’s operational readiness.
The AMCA programme’s execution model will soon be bolstered by an Expression of Interest (EoI) from ADA, inviting industry partners to bring cutting-edge capabilities to the table. This move could open the floodgates for technology transfer, skill development, and R&D investments, while also positioning India as a credible global player in advanced aerospace manufacturing.
What sets the AMCA apart is not just its stealth or sensor sophistication, but the strategic thinking behind its development—creating a sustainable, competitive, and self-reliant military aviation ecosystem. With the Cabinet Committee on Security already on board and the ADA taking the lead, India is finally poised to make a generational leap in fighter jet technology.
As the geopolitical climate shifts and security dynamics intensify, India’s AMCA project is as much about building jets as it is about building resilience, self-reliance, and global respect.
