Fifth-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Plan Cleared: How It Will Give India A Strategic Edge
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will significantly elevate India’s indigenous defence capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem.
Introduction
India has taken a historic leap in the field of indigenous aerospace and defence technology with the formal approval of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. In a landmark decision, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cleared the “Execution Model” of the AMCA, thereby setting the stage for the development of India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.
This pivotal move will not only enhance India’s combat air capabilities but also stimulate self-reliance and industrial growth under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. By embracing cutting-edge aerospace technologies and fostering public-private partnerships, India is positioning itself among a select group of nations capable of developing and fielding next-generation stealth aircraft.
Read This: What is a Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet?
What is the AMCA?
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is a fifth-generation, multi-role, stealth-heavy fighter jet. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), AMCA will be the most technologically advanced aircraft ever built in India.
Key specifications include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Fifth-generation stealth, twin-engine fighter |
| Weight Class | Medium-weight (25 tonnes) |
| Stealth Features | Radar-absorbing materials, internal weapons bay, low infrared & electromagnetic signature |
| Avionics | AI-powered Electronic Pilot, sensor fusion |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.5 tonnes internal |
| Armament Payload | 1,500 kg in internal bay, includes long-range air-to-air missiles, PGMs |
| Range & Performance | Supercruise capability, high maneuverability |
| Expected Delivery | By 2035 |
| Project Cost (Initial Phase) | ₹15,000 crore |
Strategic Capabilities of AMCA
1. Stealth Superiority
The AMCA features stealth technologies that drastically reduce its radar cross-section and electromagnetic signature. These include internal weapons storage, radar-absorbing coatings, and low observable design. Such stealth advantages are essential for deep-penetration strikes, evading enemy radar and engaging targets before detection.
2. Artificial Intelligence and Netcentric Warfare
Incorporating AI-enabled decision support systems, the AMCA features an “Electronic Pilot” that enhances situational awareness and reaction time in high-threat combat environments. With integrated Netcentric Warfare Systems, the fighter can seamlessly communicate with UAVs, satellites, and ground command centers for real-time mission coordination.
3. Supercruise and Maneuverability
AMCA is expected to have supercruise capability, allowing it to sustain supersonic flight without afterburners. This is crucial for rapid response, interception, and extended-range operations. Its aerodynamic design supports extreme agility needed for modern dogfights and evasive maneuvers.
4. Weapon Systems Integration
The aircraft will have an internal weapons bay that can carry four long-range air-to-air missiles and multiple Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs). This not only enhances stealth but also increases mission versatility.
Indigenous Push and Industrial Collaboration
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the design and development, but a unique aspect of the AMCA program is the involvement of private industry partners. This execution model is expected to catalyze the growth of a domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
Companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), and select Tier-I private players will play significant roles in subsystem production, avionics, and final assembly. This model could potentially generate thousands of jobs and significantly reduce India’s dependence on foreign platforms.
Global Context: India Joins the Elite Club
With the AMCA, India becomes one of only four nations developing indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets. These include:
- United States: F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II
- China: J-20 Mighty Dragon
- Russia: Sukhoi Su-57
- India: AMCA (under development)
This strategic milestone elevates India’s standing as a self-reliant, high-tech defence power capable of projecting air superiority in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Timeline and Development Roadmap
- 2024: Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approves the full-scale engineering development of five AMCA prototypes with ₹15,000 crore funding.
- 2025: Prototype displayed at Aero India 2025, receiving global and domestic interest.
- 2030-2035: Completion of testing, production, and induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat, “This journey began only in 2024. We have committed to delivering the platform by 2035.”
A key milestone will be the development of a state-of-the-art engine, likely via foreign collaboration with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Talks are reportedly underway with global players such as Safran (France), Rolls-Royce (UK), and GE Aerospace (USA).
Comparison with LCA and Other IAF Fighters
| Feature | LCA Tejas Mk1/Mk2 | AMCA |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 4.5 | 5th |
| Stealth | Low | High |
| Role | Light Multi-role | Multi-role Stealth |
| Payload Capacity | 5,300 kg (Mk2) | 1,500 kg internal (expandable) |
| Radar Cross-Section | Visible to radar | Stealth-optimized |
| Speed & Supercruise | Sub-sonic/supersonic | Supercruise capable |
| Indigenous Content | ~75% | Targeting >80% |
Broader Implications for National Security
Strengthening Air Superiority
AMCA will drastically improve India’s ability to conduct high-risk missions such as deep-strike operations into contested airspace, border skirmishes, and maritime interdictions. This is critical given India’s dual-front threat environment with China and Pakistan.
Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The project is a flagship of India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with the government’s broader push for Make in India. Beyond the IAF, the AMCA’s technology could support spin-offs for UAVs, drones, and other defence platforms.
Regional Power Balance
The induction of AMCA by 2035 will serve as a potent counter to China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s reliance on F-16s and JF-17s, rebalancing the regional military equation in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.
Challenges and The Way Ahead
- Engine development remains a complex hurdle and requires international cooperation.
- Funding and timely execution will be critical to meet the 2035 target.
- Flight testing, certification, and integration with IAF’s digital infrastructure must be carried out with precision and discipline.
However, with sustained political will, strong leadership from DRDO/ADA, and robust private sector participation, AMCA promises to be India’s gateway to next-gen aerospace dominance.
Read This: F-35 vs Su-57 vs AMCA: Comparative Analysis of Next-Generation Stealth Fighters
Conclusion
The clearance of the Fifth-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Plan marks a defining moment in India’s quest for strategic autonomy and military modernization. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is more than a fighter—it is a symbol of India’s emergence as a technologically sovereign defence power.
As India steps into this elite club, AMCA will serve as a critical force multiplier, not just in combat, but also in fostering scientific innovation, industry partnerships, and national pride.
