On May 27, 2025, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh gave the go-ahead for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This major decision supports India's self-reliance in defense, promoting indigenous weapon capabilities. Spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the initiative will witness collaboration between private and public sector industries, ensuring equal opportunities for both.
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Self-Reliance: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved the AMCA program to enhance indigenous defense capabilities.
Industry Collaboration: ADA partners with private and public sectors to develop the AMCA.
Equal Opportunities: Companies can bid independently, as joint ventures, or as consortia.
Indigenous Fighter: The 5th-gen stealth fighter will reinforce India's air force.
Development Phase: ADA will soon issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for AMCA's development phase.
What is AMCA?
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India's 5th-gen stealth fighter, crafted for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Featuring cutting-edge technologies, the aircraft is tailor-made for elite performance...
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Source: aajtak
Stealth Tech: Evading radars means the enemy can't easily track it.
Supercruise: Fly faster than sound without afterburners.
Advanced Sensors and Weapons: Radar, missiles, and electronic warfare systems empower its multi-role capabilities.
Artificial Intelligence: Boosting automatic decision-making and network-centric warfare.
Developed by DRDO's ADA, AMCA aims to equip IAF with an indigenous world-class aircraft by 2030, reducing reliance on imports like the Rafale or Sukhoi.
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AMCA Implementation Model
A fresh implementation model has been approved for AMCA development, boasting key features:
Industry Partnership:
ADA teams with private and public sector firms. Leverage native technical expertise and capability.
Source: aajtak
Equal Opportunity:
Firms can bid independently, as a joint venture, or consortium, adhering to Indian laws.
Competitive Process:
All firms get a fair shot, and selection is based on competition.
Expression of Interest (EoI):
ADA to soon release an EoI for AMCA's development phase, inviting companies to engage.
This model propels India's aerospace sector, inviting private entities like HAL, Tata, L&T, and others to partake in major defense projects.
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AMCA Highlights
India's first 5th-gen fighter, AMCA, stands out with advanced features:
Weight and Size: Medium weight class (around 25 tons), smaller but quicker and nimbler than Rafale and Sukhoi.
Range and Speed: Exceeding 1,000 km range and speeds over Mach 1.8.
Weaponry: Air-to-air, air-to-ground, and stealth missiles like Astra and BrahMos-NG.
Engine: Initially using GE F414, with future indigenous AL-51 development.
Advanced Radar: AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar for multi-target tracking.
Low-Observable Design: Special design minimizes radar cross-section, enhancing stealth.
Source: aajtak
AMCA Development and Timeline
AMCA unfolds over two phases:
Mk1:
Basic 5th-gen stealth features with GE F414 engine. Prototype flights by 2027.
Mk2:
Advanced version with indigenous engine and more AI-based tech. Expected post-2030.
ADA has finalized the AMCA design. Prototypes will be built collaboratively with industry partners. IAF's first AMCA squadron is expected by 2030.
Source: aajtak
Strategic Importance
The AMCA program is a game-changer for India's defense and strategic capabilities:
Self-Reliance:
Reducing reliance on imported aircraft. Elevates India's aerospace industry on a global level.
Answer to China and Pakistan:
AMCA counters China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s Project AZM as 5th-gen competitors.
Economic Gains:
Jobs and technological innovation surge with private and public sector participation.
Export Potential:
AMCA success may establish India as a fighter jet exporter.
