In a significant move for India’s indigenous defence and aerospace ambitions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, marking a major shift in policy. Unlike earlier projects that were directly handed to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturing of AMCA will now be opened to competitive bidding, encouraging private sector participation alongside public entities.
🔹 Key Highlights:
- HAL must now compete independently or with partners to win the AMCA manufacturing contract.
- Private players and public sector units (PSUs) can form consortia or joint ventures to bid, provided they are Indian entities compliant with national regulations.
- The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO, which is tasked with designing the aircraft, will soon release an expression of interest (EoI) for industry participation.
🔹 Why This Matters:
This move breaks from tradition and aligns with India’s push for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) by fostering a competitive, innovation-driven aerospace ecosystem. It’s also being seen as a response to evolving regional security dynamics, particularly in light of:
- Pakistan acquiring the Chinese J-35A fifth-gen fighter.
- China testing sixth-gen fighter prototypes (J-36 and J-50).
- India’s recent Operation Sindoor, where advanced IAF assets like Rafales played a crucial role.
🔹 AMCA at a Glance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | 25-tonne, fifth-generation stealth fighter |
| Engines | Mk1: GE 414 (90kN, US origin) Mk2: 110kN (indigenous, DRDO + foreign partner) |
| Stealth Capabilities | Low radar signature, internal weapons bay, reduced electromagnetic emissions |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.5 tonnes (internal, concealed tank) |
| Weapons Integration | Indigenous and advanced weapons (internally stored) |
| Development Timeline | First flight expected by 2029-2030 |
| Total Development Time | ~10 years (from 2024) |
| Estimated Cost | ₹15,000 crore |
| Prototype Plan | 5 prototypes before full-scale production |
🔹 Strategic Significance:
Once developed and inducted, AMCA will place India among a select group of countries with operational fifth-generation fighters:
- USA: F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II
- China: J-20 Mighty Dragon
- Russia: Sukhoi Su-57
- India: AMCA (projected within a decade)
🔹 Next Steps:
- ADA to release Expression of Interest (EoI) for industry collaboration.
- Bidding process to begin for prototype manufacturing phase.
- HAL and Indian private players to submit proposals, possibly in joint ventures with global defence firms.
The AMCA programme now stands as a landmark in India’s defence manufacturing history, not just for its technological aspirations, but also for the strategic inclusion of private industry, ensuring innovation, cost-efficiency, and speed — all while bolstering India’s security posture amid regional challenges.
