BENGALURU, Jan 4: DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat on Sunday said the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to be rolled out by the end of 2028, with its first flight planned for early 2029, while the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark Two is slated for its maiden flight by June this year.
“Mark Two, the first flight should happen sometime by June of this year. And AMCA, we would hope to roll out by end of 2028 and the first flight early 29, so both these programs are now on schedule, and we hope to deliver our commitments to the Air Force, as per the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) norms,” he told reporters at the Tejas-25 national seminar hosted by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
Dr Kamat said the LCA Mark Two represents a major technological leap over the Mark One, integrating several advanced features, including stealth capabilities. The AMCA, as a fifth-generation fighter, is expected to bring cutting-edge innovations to bolster India’s air combat strength.
“In LCA Mark Two, there is a step improvement from LCA Mark One. AMCA will have several new technologies because it’s a fifth-generation aircraft. It is a stealth aircraft, so several new technologies will come in with it,” he said.
Both programs are progressing on schedule, with prototypes under production, underscoring DRDO’s commitment to meet Defence Ministry timelines.
The Mark II is an upgraded version of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, designed to offer enhanced range, payload, and multirole capabilities. With advanced avionics and weapons systems, it is aimed at replacing older fighter jets in the Indian Air Force and strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence aviation.
The AMCA is India’s next-generation stealth fighter, being developed as a fifth-generation aircraft with features like stealth technology, supercruise capability, and advanced avionics. It is envisioned to provide the Indian Air Force with a technological edge in air combat and represents a major step toward cutting-edge indigenous fighter development for 2047.
Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also highlighted India’s ambitious next-generation fighter programmes, Tejas Mark II and AMCA, describing them as milestones set to surpass previous achievements while incorporating contemporary technologies.
He said the teams behind these projects are working diligently to ensure the aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge capabilities and delivered on improved timelines.
The two-day seminar, marking 25 years of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), brought together scientists, defence experts, and industry leaders to chart the roadmap for Indian aviation toward 2047.
ADA officials outlined plans for enhanced variants and next-generation aircraft under Mark II and AMCA, underscoring India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology and a technologically advanced air force.
The event features technical sessions, panel discussions, and presentations on future projects, highlighting India’s strategic journey in indigenous aviation innovation.
(UNI)
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