The approval of the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme by the Defence Minister marks a decisive moment in India’s defence landscape. At a time when modern warfare is increasingly defined by air dominance, the decision signals not just technological ambition but strategic foresight. The indigenous development of a fifth-generation stealth-capable fighter jet is more than a matter of national pride-it is an operational necessity and a geopolitical imperative. The success of the LCA Tejas laid the groundwork, demonstrating the nation’s potential to design, develop, and produce combat aircraft. However, the AMCA project sets a significantly higher standard. Designed to serve as a fifth-generation, deep-penetration stealth fighter, the AMCA will be a technological leap featuring supercruise capability, advanced avionics, stealth features, and multirole versatility.
This move comes against a backdrop of recurring obstacles in procuring advanced military hardware from abroad. India’s experience with fighter jet acquisitions-be it the long-drawn Rafale deal with France or issues related to technology transfer from the U.S. and Russia-has exposed the limitations and vulnerabilities of relying on foreign suppliers. Often, deals are delayed by geopolitical friction, cost escalations, or conditionalities around intellectual property and software access. Indigenous development, therefore, is not merely about economic rationality-it is about securing strategic autonomy.
The IAF, which ideally requires around 42 squadrons to handle a two-front war scenario with China and Pakistan, currently operates at a strength of around 30 squadrons. Many of its frontline aircraft, such as the MiG-21s and Jaguars, are approaching the end of their operational lives. While stopgap measures like the induction of Rafales and Su-30MKIs have helped, they are not long-term solutions. The AMCA project directly addresses this looming shortfall by offering a homegrown, technologically advanced solution that can be manufactured and upgraded as per India’s evolving strategic needs. From precision strikes and surveillance to electronic warfare and unmanned missions, the control of airspace often determines the outcome of a conflict. With adversaries like China rapidly modernising their air forces, India cannot afford to lag behind. The AMCA programme is an essential strategic counterbalance.
The AMCA’s execution model also presents a new paradigm in defence production. By opening up the programme to both public and private players on a competitive basis, the Ministry of Defence is fostering a level playing field that will accelerate innovation and efficiency. This is a major shift from the earlier model where defence PSUs often held a monopoly, stifling speed and flexibility. It also sends a clear signal: the future of defence lies not just in buying platforms but in building them.
Beyond meeting domestic needs, the AMCA also holds immense potential for exports. As countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America seek cost-effective alternatives to expensive Western fighter jets, India can position the AMCA as a viable option. The global defence export market is evolving, with a rising appetite for mid-range, affordable, and technologically sound combat systems. India’s track record in space and missile technologies-both sectors where it has delivered high-quality, cost-effective solutions-proves that the country can offer down-to-earth yet competitive alternatives. Just as ISRO carved a niche with low-cost satellite launches, AMCA could do the same in the fighter jet domain if developed with export in mind.
The journey will not be without challenges. Developing a fifth-generation fighter jet is an immensely complex endeavour requiring high-end metallurgy, propulsion systems, radar and stealth technology, and rigorous flight testing. Delays and budget overruns are real risks. However, India now possesses a better foundation-technological, industrial, and human-to navigate these challenges, thanks to decades of investment in aerospace R&D and the growing maturity of private sector players in defence manufacturing. With the execution model approved and the vision set, the time has come to translate ambition into action. The AMCA must not only take flight but soar-symbolising India’s arrival as an aerospace power with both the resolve and the capability to shape the skies.
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