New Delhi: In a significant leap for national defense, India is pressing ahead with the development of its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft, marking a major advancement in indigenous military capabilities. The Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given the green light for the prototype phase of the project.
This next-generation aircraft will be developed under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The fighter jet, designed to meet future combat requirements, incorporates cutting-edge stealth capabilities, radar systems, and aerodynamic innovations. The project symbolizes India's strategic commitment to achieving self-reliance in the aerospace and defense sectors.
A key feature of the AMCA is its stealth technology, which minimizes radar detection and enhances survivability in hostile environments. The design and foundational technology for the aircraft have already been completed, and its development will be executed through a collaboration between public institutions and private defense manufacturers across India.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which has previously played a central role in indigenous aircraft programs, will be instrumental in the execution of the AMCA initiative. Alongside ADA, private sector firms will contribute to various aspects of production and technology integration, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative development model.
Engine development—often one of the most complex aspects of modern aircraft design—is also progressing steadily. The aircraft is expected to be powered by advanced twin engines that will enable high maneuverability and combat performance, positioning the AMCA as a formidable asset for future aerial missions.
The initiative had earlier received cabinet-level backing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi approving the project last year as part of a broader vision for strengthening India’s defense infrastructure. The estimated cost of the AMCA development stands at ₹15,000 crore, a testament to the scale and ambition of the program.
If successful, India will join an elite club of nations—including the United States, Russia, and China—that have developed fifth-generation fighter aircraft indigenously. A successful test flight will not only signify a technological breakthrough but also a powerful assertion of India’s capability to safeguard its sovereignty through homegrown defense assets.
Envisioned as a versatile, multi-role aircraft, the AMCA will provide the Indian Air Force with advanced capabilities in air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare, further cementing India’s position as a key aerospace power in the region.