India Approves Execution Model for AMCA Project to Build Indigenous Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter Jet
In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given the green light to the implementation model for the highly ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
This strategic initiative aims to develop a fifth-generation, stealth-capable, deep penetration medium-weight fighter jet for the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a transformative leap in India’s aerospace and defence sector.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Ministry of Defence, which highlighted the project as a critical step toward Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the defence domain.
According to the ministry, the Defence Minister has officially approved the “AMCA Programme Execution Model,” which lays out the framework for realising one of the most advanced fighter jet projects ever undertaken by India.
The AMCA is envisioned as a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with advanced stealth features, supersonic cruising capabilities, internal weapons bays, and cutting-edge avionics.
It is designed to meet the Indian Air Force’s long-term operational needs, especially in the areas of deep strike missions, air dominance, and high survivability in contested airspaces.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which earlier played a pivotal role in the design and development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, will now lead the AMCA project.
The ADA will execute the programme in collaboration with industry partners, thereby promoting a dynamic public-private partnership model.
This approach is seen as instrumental in building a strong and sustainable domestic aerospace ecosystem capable of developing high-end technologies within India.
The newly approved execution model is designed to encourage participation from both public and private sector enterprises.
According to the defence ministry’s statement, Indian companies will be able to bid for the project either independently, as part of a joint venture, or through a consortium. However, to be eligible, all participating entities must be registered Indian companies compliant with domestic laws and regulations.
The model aims to level the playing field by offering equal opportunity to all capable Indian companies, and by doing so, foster greater innovation, competition, and efficiency in the execution of the AMCA programme.
“This decision reflects a significant move towards harnessing India’s indigenous expertise, technological capability, and industrial capacity to build the AMCA prototype,” the ministry said.
“The successful development of this aircraft will serve as a major milestone in India’s journey toward strategic autonomy in aerospace and defence manufacturing.”
The Union Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had already given in-principle approval to the AMCA project last year, signalling the government’s strong commitment to advancing indigenous defence technologies.
The estimated initial development cost of the project is pegged at approximately ₹15,000 crore, underscoring the scale and complexity of the initiative.
The Indian Air Force has been a consistent advocate for the AMCA programme, seeing it as essential to maintaining air superiority and preparing for future combat scenarios that demand technologically advanced platforms.
India’s confidence in taking on the AMCA project has been greatly strengthened by the success of the LCA Tejas programme.
The Tejas, a lightweight multi-role combat aircraft, was developed indigenously by the ADA and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and is already in service with the Indian Air Force.
The experience gained through the Tejas programme has provided a solid foundation of knowledge, infrastructure, and technical skills that will be vital in realising the more complex AMCA project.
With the approval of the execution model, India is now set to accelerate efforts to design, build, and test its next-generation combat aircraft.
If successful, the AMCA will not only enhance India’s defence preparedness but also position the country as a potential exporter of advanced military aviation technology in the coming decades.
