NEWS – India’s AMCA Programme Gets Execution Model Approval

HIGHLIGHTS

About the AMCA Programme

• Full Form: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
• Objective: To design, develop, and manufacture India’s first fifth-generation fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
• Lead Organisation: Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
• Budget Sanctioned: ₹15,000 crore approved by Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for developing five prototypes.
• Expected Milestones:
  • First flight: By 2028
  • Induction: By 2034

Execution Model Highlights

• Equal opportunity for private and public sector players.
• Bidding allowed as:
  • Independent entities
  • Joint ventures
  • Consortia
• Mandatory requirement: Bidder must be an Indian company and comply with domestic laws.
• ADA will soon issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the development phase.

Why Fifth Generation Fighters?

• Key Features:
  • Advanced stealth technology
  • Superior sensors for situational awareness
  • Super-cruise capabilities
• Global 5th Gen Fighters:
  • USA: F-22 Raptor, F-35A Lightning-II
  • China: J-20 (plus J-35A under development)
  • Russia: Su-57
  • Speculation: China working on 6th gen fighter

Geopolitical Context

• Reports suggest China fast-tracking stealth jet delivery to Pakistan.
• No official confirmation from either China or Pakistan.
• India’s move is seen as a strategic counter.

Private Sector Involvement

• Approval opens AMCA programme to major Indian defence players:
  • Tata Group
  • Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
  • Adani Group
• Challenge to HAL’s historical monopoly in aircraft manufacturing.
• Tata-Airbus has already started manufacturing C295 transport aircraft at Vadodara, replacing IAF’s old Avro fleet.

Parallel Engine Development

• First two squadrons of AMCA to use GE-414 engines.
• Future versions to be powered by a Made-in-India engine, currently under development.

Strategic Significance

• Boosts Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in aerospace.
• Leverages indigenous expertise and industrial capacity.
• Important milestone for India’s defence modernisation and technology independence.