* AMCA Steals the Spotlight at India Pavilion
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is an Indian single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather fifth-generation stealth, multirole combat aircraft being developed for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
For the first time, DRDO is presenting a full-scale model of India's first 5th Generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at the AeroIndia 2025, in Bangalore from February 10-14, 2025.
But amidst this high-stakes display of global airpower, eyes remained fixated on a new contender—India’s own fifth-generation stealth fighter, the AMCA.
Speaking at a press conference at the Aero India 2025 in the city, D.K. Sunil, CMD of HAL says, "AMCA will be flying in the next three years, following which an extensive testing phase which began earlier and expect to enter production by 2034-35. This aircraft will use composite materials, shaping techniques, and other materials to meet its stealth requirements."
Stealing the spotlight with the display of its full-scale model on day one of the Aero India 2025 show, the AMCA inspired a wave of both awe and speculation.
Need of the hour
While Russia is aggressively pushing India for co-production of the Su-57, the US is leaving no stone unturned in courting with its own offers. But India’s aerospace planners are firmly betting on the AMCA.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who inaugurated the 15th edition of Aero India, made the government’s stance clear. “We have made a firm resolve to manufacture the fifth-generation fighter aircraft within the country,” he said.
Even the modernisation roadmap of the Indian Air Force (IAF) envisions inducting around seven squadrons of the AMCA beginning 2035, positioning the indigenous jet as a key element of future air combat strategies.
Why 5th Genaration fighter jets
The emerging generation of advanced fighter aircraft in the first decades of the 21st century has come to be known as the fifth generation. Its likely to have multi-spectral low-observable design features, self-protection, radar jamming capabilities, and integrated avionics distinguish fifth-generation fighters from their fourth generation peers.
Stealth technology
Stealth technology is important for modern warfare because it allows aircraft to get closer to enemy positions and gather intelligence without being detected. This can lead to surprise attacks and a psychological advantage.
Composite materials in aircraft
Composite materials have many advantages, including being lightweight, durable, and high-performing. However, they can be expensive and have complex manufacturing processes.
Private Partnership
Despite the ambitious vision, the AMCA’s production plan has hit hiccups. The government is yet to finalise the aircraft’s manufacturing partner. While the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an entity under the defence ministry, advocates roping in the private sector, this includes L&T, Tata's, Adani among others.
Multiple rounds of discussions have been held within the defence ministry even as the Bengaluru-headquartered HAL pushes for a separate manufacturing assembly-line dedicated to the AMCA, if needed. With some military planners supporting HAL and several others favouring a role for private players, the ministry is yet to take a final call.
Cost of AMCA
The plan is to develop five AMCA prototypes, each costing around Rs 1,000 crore. HAL argues extensive expertise makes it the ideal production partner over private Indian firms. However, its not-so-great delivery track-record with other planes has prompted AMCA designers to explore alternatives.
Roadmap of AMCA Project
Reports indicate that the AMCA will be developed in two variants, with the Mark-2 version featuring a more powerful engine and advanced technologies for future combat scenarios. In 2009, the Union government allocated Rs 90 crore, followed by an additional Rs 447 crore, for a feasibility study. After years of delay, the AMCA received the Union cabinet’s go-ahead last March.
A club of few members
The AMCA will make India the fourth country, after the US, Russia and China, to possess super-cruise and stealth aircraft capabilities. Stealth aircraft are designed to avoid detection by radars or air defence systems. Their ‘first look, first kill’ concept allows pilots to spot an enemy plane first, fire a missile and destroy the target without the adversary being able to react.
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