🛩️ India Clears Stealth Fighter Jet Plan: AMCA to Power Nation Into Elite Air Combat League
New Delhi — In a landmark decision aimed at propelling India into the elite league of nations with fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Ministry of Defence has approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme — a cutting-edge stealth fighter jet project expected to redefine the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greenlit the plan, positioning AMCA as a cornerstone of India’s drive for self-reliance in aerospace defence. The project will be spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), working closely with private industry players to deliver a next-gen fighter platform by 2035.
🚀 What is the AMCA and Why It Matters?
AMCA is a 25-ton twin-engine stealth fighter, designed to be India’s answer to modern aerial warfare. Equipped with internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, sensor fusion, and supercruise capability, it will also feature an AI-powered Electronic Pilot, enabling real-time data processing and combat decisions.
Other key features:
- Stealth-focused design to avoid enemy radar
- Netcentric warfare systems for battlefield coordination
- Payload of 1,500 kg in internal weapons bays, including long-range missiles
- Integrated health monitoring for predictive maintenance
- Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) coordination for complex mission scenarios
The fighter will carry up to 6.5 tonnes of fuel internally and is set to cost over ₹15,000 crore during its development phase.
🌍 India Joins the Fifth-Gen Club
With the AMCA, India enters the global elite club of nations operating fifth-generation stealth fighters — alongside the US (F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II), China (J-20 Mighty Dragon), and Russia (Sukhoi Su-57). These aircraft are known for low radar visibility, multi-role capability, and network-centric combat.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the development of five full-scale AMCA prototypes in March 2024.
🛠️ Challenges Ahead: Engine Development Key
A significant hurdle remains — the development of a high-thrust engine, which India is likely to pursue via a joint venture with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
According to DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat, “The journey officially started in 2024. We’re committed to delivering the platform by 2035.”
✈️ F-35 vs Su-57: The Global Benchmark
The F-35 Lightning II by Lockheed Martin is the world’s most advanced stealth fighter, with:
- Mach 1.6 speed
- 18,000 lbs payload
- MADL (Multifunction Advanced Data Link) system
- 43,000 lbs thrust engine
Russia’s Su-57, meanwhile, can hit Mach 1.8, carry 7.4 tonnes of weaponry, and is being showcased for potential exports, including to India.
📚 Understanding Fighter Jet Generations
Here’s how fighter jets have evolved:
1st Gen (1940–1950): Basic jet-powered aircraft, no radar
2nd Gen (1950–1960): Supersonic speeds, radar, early missiles
3rd Gen (1970–1980): Multi-role capabilities, improved avionics
3.5 Gen (1980–1990): Upgraded 3rd gen tech, early digital systems
4th Gen (1990s–): Networked warfare, digital cockpit
4.5 Gen: Some stealth features, advanced sensors (e.g. Rafale, Tejas Mk1A)
5th Gen: Full stealth, AI integration, sensor fusion, internal weapons (F-22, J-20, AMCA)
🇮🇳 The Decade of Defence Transformation
Alongside AMCA, India is gearing up for a transformative decade in defence, with systems like VSHORAD, MPATGM, and LCA Mk II also nearing induction. The AMCA stands out as the flagship project set to revolutionize India’s air power and aerospace industry.
