NEW DELHI: India has officially greenlit the execution phase of its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The nation’s pursuit of its first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution model today, propelling the project into its next phase of development.
The AMCA, envisioned as a twin-engine, multirole stealth fighter, is designed to incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as supercruise capability, advanced avionics, internal weapons bays, and sensor fusion.
The aircraft aims to bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities, especially in light of the current shortfall of operational squadrons and the growing aerial prowess of neighboring countries.
The project will be spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with industry partners. Both private and public sector entities are invited to participate in the development, either independently or through joint ventures, fostering a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem.
The AMCA’s design emphasizes stealth, featuring a low radar cross-section achieved through airframe shaping, the use of composite materials, and internal weapon carriage. Innovations such as diverterless supersonic inlets and S-shaped air intakes further enhance its stealth characteristics. Additionally, the aircraft is expected to integrate advanced technologies like directed energy weapons, aligning with future warfare requirements.
The development timeline anticipates the rollout of the first prototype within the next three years, with the inaugural flight projected approximately 18 months thereafter.
A total of five prototypes are planned, with the initial three dedicated to developmental flight trials and the subsequent two focusing on weapon system evaluations.
The IAF is expected to induct seven squadrons, totaling 126 units, upon successful completion of the programme.
This initiative aligns with India’s self-reliance mission, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign military technology and enhance indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The AMCA project represents a strategic move to position India among the select group of nations capable of developing and producing advanced stealth combat aircraft.
As the AMCA programme progresses, it is poised to significantly augment India’s air combat strength, ensuring preparedness for future security challenges and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology
