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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
India's AMCA fighter jet programme: Indigenous, ambitious and in urgent need of whole-of-nation approach
Written by Sanket Kulkarni The momentum in aerospace and defence manufacturing in India has been steadily picking up pace over the last five years. The private sector's ability to deliver on critical defence projects has been well tested with programmes in the domain of drones, military transport aircraft, and artillery guns. The collaboration between the government and the private sector reached its peak with the Aeronautical Development Agency recently releasing an Expression of Interest (EOI), inviting companies to participate in the development of a fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). With China unveiling the model of J-35A fifth-generation fighter aircraft at the 55th Edition of the Paris Air Show in 2025 and reports suggesting that work on its sixth-generation fighter aircraft is underway at full speed, there is immense pressure on India to ramp up its efforts in developing indigenous capabilities in the domain of fighter aircraft. Media reports mention that the first prototype of India's AMCA is expected to be tested by 2029, and the aircraft's complete development by 2034. Predictably, the next few weeks will throw up interesting surprises on how Indian companies work out different permutations and combinations to create credible consortia involving domestic and foreign players to support their respective bids for the AMCA programme. The Defence Acquisition Procedure of 2020 has enumerated several frameworks for the procurement of defence items, including partnerships with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) possessing superior technology. This, combined with parallel initiatives, programmes, and policies to boost the overall innovation ecosystem, especially in the emerging technologies space, will complement AMCA's development. With the prospects of greater private sector involvement, the chances of adherence to timelines increase substantially. Having said this, there is a need for the concerned industry participants, end-users and the curating agency to work together in mission mode. More importantly, the successful development of the AMCA programme needs continued political mentorship and support. AMCA is not a routine programme, but a matter of national importance. This is particularly so, considering the range of national security challenges faced by India and disturbing developments in its extended neighbourhood. India, therefore, needs to become self-reliant in defence technology, especially those platforms that will win future wars and ensure our national security. While India's economic prominence and ascendancy on the global stage enable it to access advanced defence platforms, such access is always vulnerable to evolving global geopolitics. For instance, Russia's dependency on China in the last few years negates the former's ability to completely throw its weight behind India like before. The defence technology cooperation between China and Russia has significantly enhanced, encompassing air defence systems, drones, and critical minerals, etc. China is Russia's largest trading partner and has, over the years, consolidated its cooperation in the energy domain. Similarly, even though India's strategic partnership with the United States has deepened significantly, the latter has a habit of springing unpleasant surprises, especially when it comes to handling Pakistan. The European Union is preoccupied with its own economic and geopolitical woes, compelling it to keep its channels open with everyone, including China. In lieu of the above context, curating the journey of AMCA requires a whole-of-nation approach. Our experience in developing indigenous defence programmes like the light combat aircraft, UAVs, main battle tanks, and missile programmes has helped create a body of insights on what worked and what did not. The curating agency must revisit some of these projects to derive information on and guidance for AMCA's development journey. AMCA's success will depend on the ability of the curating agency and political leadership to absorb and harmonise diverse sets of challenges, and the capabilities of industry partners, end-users, innovation hubs, and line ministries to steer the programme towards intended outcomes in given timelines. From a political perspective, big-ticket defence projects have been embroiled in major political controversies, leading to inordinate delays and impacting national security. For this programme, it would serve well if political parties refrain from mudslinging against each other. As per reports, the induction of AMCA is expected to begin from 2035. During this period, it is imperative that political stakeholders demonstrate continuity in steering national efforts to ensure AMCA's success, irrespective of changes in ruling governments at the Centre and at the level of states. With respect to AMCA's development, India needs to showcase a spirit of political cooperation cutting across the ideological spectrum, similar to what we saw in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. The writer is a defence analyst based in Mumbai
India.com
7 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Bad news for Pakistan, China as India not waiting for Russian SU-57 or US F-35 fighter jets, IAF making its own fighter planes more dangerous...
An image of British F-35B fighter jet used for Representational purpose Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme: In a significant achievement for India's defence sector, media reports have it that the Indian government is currently not in any formal talks to purchase advanced fighter aircraft like the Russian Su-57E or the American F-35. Instead, it is relying on indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Here are all the details you need to know about India's very own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is being called India's answer to fifth-generation air power. India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme In a big step towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in Defence sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Readers should note that the AMCA clearance marks a critical step towards realising India's goal of joining an elite club of nations in designing and producing its own fleet of next-generation combat aircraft. The project will be helmed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said the Defence Ministry in a press release. 'Both private and public sector entities would do bidding for the project, either independently or as a joint venture or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country,' said the MoD statement. India's answer to fifth-generation air power The AMCA, widely seen as India's answer to fifth-generation air power, will give a major boost to achieving 'atmanirbharata' in the defence sector and will become a hallmark of India's growing defence capabilities. Being the fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter equipped with cutting-edge technology, it will be suited for all-weather operation. Designed with low radar cross-section and supercruise capability, the AMCA is seen as the successor to the frontline Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. Some reports suggest that its mass production is likely to commence by 2035. (With inputs from agencies)
India.com
22-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
India to get new powerful super fighter jet which will destroy China, Pakistan within minutes, not US F-35, it's dangerous because...
Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet- File image Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet: In a significant development in India-Russia defence sector, Russia has reportedly offered India the export variant of its fifth-generation fighter jet, the Su‑57E. Additionally, Russia has also helped India with providing full source-code access, deep localization, and licensed production rights of the fighter jet. Here are all the details you need to know about the Russia-India Su-57E deal, which is bad news for Pakistan, China and the US. As per media reports, India has requested Russia to integrate indigenous systems like GaN-based AESA radars (e.g., Uttam) and mission computers in the Russian Su-57E fighter jet as a part of the deal, but the acceptance is under consideration. About Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet The Sukhoi Su-57 is a twin-engine fifth generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi. The Su-57E deal is very significant for India as India's indigenous AMCA program would need ateast a decade to produce the 5th generation fighter jet. Readers should note that US also reportedly offered its F-35 aircraft but India is likely to buy the Russian jet. India's 5th-generation stealth fighter jet gets key clearance In a major push towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme on Tuesday. The project will be helmed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said the Defence Ministry in a press release. India's answer to fifth-generation air power The AMCA, widely seen as India's answer to fifth-generation air power, will give a major boost to achieving 'Atmanirbharata' in the defence sector and will become a hallmark of India's growing defence capabilities. Being the fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter equipped with cutting-edge technology, it will be suited for all-weather operation. Designed with low radar cross-section and supercruise capability, the AMCA is seen as the successor to the frontline Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. Some reports suggest that its mass production is likely to commence by 2035. (With inputs from agencies)
News18
20-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Move Over Rafale-5, F-35, Su-57E: India Opens Rs 15,000-Crore Bid To Build 5th Gen Fighter Jets
Last Updated: The govt has issued an EoI for this high-profile project, open to firms, JVs, or consortia. Applications close on August 16, and the project must be completed within 8 years In a significant step towards self-reliance in defence, India has invited companies to develop indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets. The move comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions — with the Russia-Ukraine war dragging on, Israel opening a new front against Iran, and India responding to the Pahalgam terror attack with Operation Sindoor. According to experts, this move means India will no longer have to completely rely on foreign fifth-generation fighter jets like the Rafale-5, F-35, or Su-57E. The government has issued an Expression of Interest for this high-profile project, allowing single companies, joint ventures, or consortia to apply. The initial budget for developing the prototype is set at Rs 15,000 crore, with the potential for subsequent orders running into several thousand crores. 'The objective of this EOI is to shortlist Indian companies (owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens) who are technically capable for the development, building of prototypes, supporting flight test and certification of AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft)," the EOI document stated. Interested companies must submit their applications by August 16, with a maximum project completion time of eight years. This initiative marks a significant step in India's largest military research endeavour. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will evaluate and shortlist established Indian companies with a proven track record in aerospace and defence. To qualify, firms must demonstrate the ability to absorb and implement the AMCA's design, along with experience in key areas such as engineering, manufacturing, system integration, testing, quality assurance, and post-delivery support. Additionally, companies must be capable of setting up infrastructure for full-scale series production of the aircraft. What's The Budget For India's 5th-Gen Jet? fifth-generation fighter jet prototype is developed, the selected company is expected to receive large-scale defence orders in the future. The importance of a fifth-generation aircraft for India cannot be understated. While the country has developed indigenous cruise and ballistic missiles and air defence systems, such as the proven Akash system, the lack of a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet remains a significant gap. The government aims to address this shortfall within the next decade to decade and a half. Which Companies Can Place Their Bets? Potential contenders for this project include both public and private sector companies. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Adani Defence, and Larsen & Toubro are all likely candidates to participate in this ambitious endeavour. On May 27, in a major step towards strengthening India's self-reliance in defence and building a strong local aerospace industry, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave the green light to the implementation framework for the AMCA programme. The AMCA programme will be carried out by the ADA in collaboration with industry partners. The chosen model ensures a level playing field, encouraging both private and public sector entities to compete on equal terms.
NDTV
19-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
India Kick-Starts Process To Build 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Jet
New Delhi: India has kick-started the process to implement an ambitious project to develop a fifth generation stealth fighter jet to boost its air power. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an entity that operates under the defence ministry, has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for developing prototypes of the aircraft. Under the project, the government plans to build five prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). India has been working on the ambitious AMCA project to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its air power capability. AMCA along with the Tejas light combat aircraft are planned to be the mainstays of the Indian Air Force. The ADA said the aim of the EOI is to shortlist Indian companies (owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens) who are technically capable of building the AMCA prototypes. In an official note, it said the applicant may be a single company, joint venture or a consortium of companies. It said reputed Indian companies having experience in the aerospace and defence sector with capability to absorb the design of AMCA will be shortlisted for the project. The shortlisted entity must possess the capability of setting up a manufacturing facility for series production of the aircraft, it said. The duration of the contract for development, prototyping, flight test and certification of AMCA shall not exceed eight years from the effective date of contract, the ADA said.
