Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA, India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, has moved closer to reality, with seven Indian companies bidding to partner with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the design and development of prototypes.
The AMCA is a part of the Rs 2 lakh crore manufacturing project expected to produce over 125 advanced fighter jets. As it inches towards reality, it is likely to be inducted into the Air Force before 2035. Once inducted, AMCA will place India among an exclusive group of nations that operate fifth-generation fighter jets. As of May 2025, only the United States (with the F-22 and F-35), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57) have such advanced aircraft.
What Is AMCA?
– The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s first fifth-generation fighter jet, will be a single-seat, twin-engine aircraft featuring advanced stealth coatings and internal weapons bays, similar to those seen on US and Russian planes, F-22, F-35, and Su-57.
– The AMCA is expected to have an operational ceiling of 55,000 feet and carry up to 1,500 kg in weapons in internal bays and 5,500 kg externally.
– It will carry an additional 6,500 kg in fuel.
– According to the reports, there will be two variants of the jet. The initial version will be powered by a US-made GE F414 engine, while the second is expected to feature a more powerful and independently developed system.
– Overall, the AMCA is envisioned as a supermanoeuvrable, stealthy, multirole fighter jet designed to operate across a range of combat scenarios.
What Is a 5th-Gen Fighter Jet?
– A fifth-generation fighter jet incorporates cutting-edge technologies developed in the early 21st century and represents the most advanced combat aircraft currently in service.
– A defining feature of the fifth-generation fighter jet is the use of superior battlefield software that provides the pilot with real-time, comprehensive situational awareness, detailing the battle space, enemy positions, and potential threats.
– The jets are equipped with innovative avionics that enable seamless networking with allied forces, enhancing coordination through superior C3 capabilities: command, control, and communications.
Which Companies Are In The List?
The seven companies in contention include: Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, and Adani Defence. Their proposals will be evaluated by a committee headed by former BrahMos Aerospace chief A. Sivathanu Pillai, news agency ANI quoted defence officials as saying.
Once the successful completion of this phase is achieved, a report will be submitted to the Defence Ministry. The Defence Ministry will make the final decision. Two bidders will be shortlisted, and together they will receive Rs 15,000 crore to develop five standard prototypes of the AMCA.