In a significant move, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced on May 27 the approval of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, marking the initiation of the first prototype development. This marks India’s foray into fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, set to be equipped with twin engines. Singh emphasized that the AMCA is a crucial effort to enhance domestic defense capabilities and bolster the aerospace industry within the country.
Under the auspices of India’s Ministry of Defense, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will collaborate with both private and state-owned domestic enterprises to execute this project. The Defense Ministry stated that these companies could bid independently or form joint ventures. Reports from Indian media previously mentioned that the AMCA prototype could roll out within three years of manufacturing approval, taking flight 1-1.5 years thereafter. However, the Defense Ministry did not specify any particular timeline in the latest announcement.
The scale model of the fighter jet from the AMCA project was showcased at the Aero India air show in February. This project traces its roots back to the early 2000s when India recognized the need for stealth combat aircraft to maintain superiority in the skies. In 2008, as the concept of fifth-generation fighters gained traction, the ADA was tasked with exploring the feasibility of developing such an aircraft. Two years later, the Indian government allocated initial funds for research, kickstarting the AMCA project.
The initial phase of the program focused on defining necessary technical requirements, including stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and the ability to perform various missions such as air superiority, ground attacks, and electronic warfare. However, the project faced numerous challenges as India then lacked expertise in stealth technology and did not have suitable domestic engines, relying on foreign sources for supply. In 2002, India explored the possibility of forming a joint venture with Russia to collaborate on developing a fifth-generation fighter based on the Su-57 fighter jet platform, aiming to share costs and leverage the partner’s expertise in stealth technology. New Delhi ceased cooperation with Russia in 2008 due to disagreements over technology transfer and escalating costs, turning the AMCA program into a purely domestic endeavor.
The AMCA entered the preliminary design phase in 2015, with subsequent years dedicated to wind tunnel testing and researching the validation of stealth capabilities. In 2020, the ADA created several scaled-down models to test aerodynamic properties and radar cross-section. Nevertheless, the program faced numerous obstacles due to funding shortages and administrative delays.
India intensified its push for developing stealth fighters after a fierce aerial engagement with Pakistan in the early hours of May 7, where both sides deployed over 200 fighter aircraft. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets, including three modern Rafale jets manufactured by France, though New Delhi did not confirm this.
The journey of India’s AMCA program reflects the nation’s aspirations for self-reliance in defense technology and the complexities involved in developing cutting-edge military capabilities. As India navigates challenges and milestones in its pursuit of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the AMCA project stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities and securing its position on the global stage.
