New Delhi: India’s ambitious plan to develop its first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has moved closer to reality, with seven Indian defence firms submitting bids to design and build prototypes. Two companies will be shortlisted and allocated ₹15,000 crore between them to produce five prototype models, after which full-scale manufacturing rights will be awarded to the chosen partner.
The AMCA project, with an estimated investment of ₹2 lakh crore, aims to deliver over 125 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, though induction into service is not expected before 2035. Once operational, India will join the exclusive group of nations operating fifth-generation fighters, currently limited to the United States, China, and Russia.
Designed as a single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter, the AMCA will feature advanced coatings, internal weapons bays, and high manoeuvrability. It is expected to operate at ceilings of up to 55,000 feet, carry 1,500 kg of internal weapons plus an additional 5,500 kg externally, and accommodate 6,500 kg of fuel. Two versions are planned: the first powered by GE F414 engines, and a second with a fully indigenous engine, potentially offering higher thrust.
Fifth-generation fighters combine stealth, agility, and advanced avionics with battlefield networking and command, control, and communications (C3) capabilities, giving pilots superior situational awareness and an operational advantage over adversaries.
The AMCA initiative is part of India’s broader defence modernisation drive amid regional security challenges. Recently, India signed a ₹63,000 crore deal to procure 26 Rafale-M jets for the Navy, expected by 2031, and currently operates 36 Rafale-C fighters. The country has also launched an indigenously built aircraft carrier, modern warships, submarines, and tested long-range hypersonic missiles. The government has further pledged $100 billion in new defence contracts by 2033 to boost domestic arms production and expand exports, underlining India’s push to become self-reliant in high-tech military hardware.
