New Delhi, India – India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program has recently achieved a significant milestone, with the Defence Minister formally approving its “execution model.” This crucial decision paves the way for accelerated development of India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, marking a pivotal step towards greater self-reliance in the aerospace sector.
Progress and Execution Model:
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will spearhead the AMCA project, but in a notable shift, it will be executed through a competitive industry partnership. This means that both public sector undertakings like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private Indian companies (either independently or as joint ventures/consortia) will have the opportunity to bid for contracts related to the design and production of the AMCA prototypes. This aims to foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem and leverage diverse expertise.
Budget and Investment:
The initial development cost for the AMCA project has been estimated at approximately ā¹15,000 crore (around $1.8 billion USD). This funding, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in March 2024, will cover the full-scale engineering development, including the production of five prototypes.
Expectations and Timeline:
The DRDO has set an ambitious timeline for the AMCA. The first prototype is expected to take flight by the end of 2029. The full development of the aircraft, encompassing both Mk1 and Mk2 variants, is targeted for completion by 2034, with production slated to commence in 2035. The AMCA Mk1 will initially be powered by the existing GE F-414 engines (90kN class), while the more advanced AMCA Mk2 is envisioned to incorporate a stronger 110kN indigenous engine, which is expected to be co-developed with a foreign defense major, with France’s Safran and Rolls-Royce (UK) being potential partners.
Strategic Significance:
The AMCA is designed as a twin-engine, medium-weight multirole fighter jet, incorporating advanced stealth features such as a stealth airframe, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, and supercruise capability. It aims to significantly enhance India’s air power and strategic autonomy, placing the nation in an elite club of countries possessing operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft (currently including the US, Russia, and China). The project is seen as crucial for modernising the Indian Air Force (IAF), addressing its long-term requirements, and countering evolving regional security challenges, particularly from China and Pakistan.
This competitive “execution model” is a testament to India’s commitment to harnessing its indigenous capabilities and accelerating its journey towards “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in critical defence technologies. While challenges remain, the recent approvals signal a strong political and administrative thrust behind this landmark aerospace program.
