India clears indigenous AMCA Fighter Jet Program, here’s what makes it special

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the execution model of the indigenous fifth generation fighter aircraft project Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Read more on Dynamite News

New Delhi: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the execution model of the indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft project, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This is considered to be a significant achievement towards self-reliance in India's aerospace and defense sector. The project will be implemented under the industry partnership model led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

Approval from Cabinet Committee (CCS)

The AMCA project received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March 2024, with an estimated cost of around ₹ 15,000 crore. It will be a twin-engine stealth fighter aircraft, the design of which has been prepared. The first prototype is planned to be developed by 2028-29, while production is expected to start from 2032-33. It is targeted to be included in the Indian Air Force fleet by 2034.

Registered under Indian laws

The Defense Ministry has stated that the execution model provides equal opportunity to both private and public sectors based on a competitive process. Interested companies can participate in the project independently, as joint ventures or consortiums, provided they are registered under Indian laws. ADA will soon issue an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development phase.

Features of AMCA

The AMCA will include several advanced features, such as diverterless supersonic intake and an internal weapon bay. It is designed with a capacity to carry 1,500 kg of internal payload, 5,500 kg of external payload, and 6,500 kg of internal fuel. It will significantly enhance the firepower of the Indian Air Force.

The plan is to be completed in two phases

The project is planned to be completed in two phases. In the first phase, the Mk-1 version will be based on General Electric's F-414 engine, while in the second phase, a more powerful engine for the Mk-2 version will be co-developed in partnership with France. The F-414 engine has already been selected to power India's LCA-Mk2 and will be licensed and manufactured by HAL.

The need for AMCA has become even more important in view of the growing military capabilities of China and Pakistan. China has already deployed advanced fighter aircraft like the J-20 and is preparing to supply the J-35 to Pakistan. In such a situation, AMCA will prove to be helpful in giving the Indian Air Force a technological edge.