In a significant move towards bolstering its military capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security in India has given the green light to a groundbreaking project for the design and development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This ambitious project, with an estimated cost of around Rs 15,000 crore, will be spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with an array of private and public sector entities.
The initiative is set to see the manufacturing of approximately five prototypes within a span of five years, marking a monumental step in India’s defense sector. Among the key players in this venture is the public sector giant, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which will play a significant role in the prototype’s manufacturing process.
This endeavor is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing indigenous technologies and expanding the country’s military industry infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence is optimistic that the AMCA project will not only create lakhs of job opportunities but also potentially attract orders worth lakhs of crores from the Indian Air Force (IAF), thereby providing a substantial boost to the Indian economy and employment landscape.
The indigenous fighter aircraft projects have received considerable support from the IAF, especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. This is evident from the procurement of over 200 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the approval of engines for the LCA Mark-2 project.
The AMCA is poised for operational induction beyond 2030, with the first two squadrons expected to be equipped with GE-414 engines. Ongoing discussions aim at co-developing more potent engines for subsequent squadrons, underscoring India’s strategic plan to enhance its aerial combat prowess. With plans to induct over 200 of these advanced fighters, the AMCA project is not just a leap towards self-reliance in defense technology but also a cornerstone for future domestic fighter jet developments, reinforcing India’s position in global military aviation.
