AMCA Gets Green Light, Cabinet Committee Approves India’s 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Program

New Delhi: India's vanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project received much-needed boost with approval of Cabinet Committee on Security on Thursday, as Republic learnt. This approval marks a long-awaited milestone for country's fifth-generation stealth fighter program. Now, at a cost of Rs. 15,000 crore, five protos will be produced within five years. According to reports, Indian Air Force may procure 200 of se indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighters in future.

Media reports d that AMCA might be inducted after 2030, However first two squrons, meaning around 40 fighters will be powered by GE 414 engine. AMCA initiative began after India withdrew from Sukhoi 57 program with Russia, where it was a stakeholder. Presently, only a handful of countries possess fifth-generation fighter jets, namely United States, Russia, and China.

Recent developments, such as Turkey's maiden flight of its own fifth-generation aircraft KAAN, and Pakistan's potential acquisition of Chinese Shenyang FC-31 fighter, have raised concerns for India. AMCA project saw progress last year with handing over of flaperons to DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency (A) last year. Looking ahe, first proto of AMCA is expected to roll out soon, with production scheduled to commence between 2026-28 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Full-scale production is set to begin after 2029.

Furrmore, re are plans to develop an indigenous 125kN thrust engine for AMCA program through a joint venture with DRDO. Rolls Royce and Safran are leing contenders for this partnership, as per reports. 

AMCA Expected to Be Cheaper Than Or 5th Gen Fighter Aircraft: Ajay Bhatt

Defence State Minister Ajay Bhatt too h highlighted strategic significance and cost-effectiveness of AMCA program compared to similar fifth-generation aircraft." process for obtaining Cabinet Committee on Security's (CCS) approval for design and proto development of vanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been initiated. 5th Generation fighter aircraft, due to very special features, are costlier than 4th Generation fighter aircraft. Since AMCA is an indigenous 5th Generation aircraft, it is less costly than similar aircraft available outside," stated State Defence Minister.

AMCA project also aligns with India's 'Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant) initiative and its pursuit of indigenous capabilities in fifth-generation fighter aircraft. This as said earlier is India's second attempt at developing such vanced aircraft following its collaboration with Russia on SU-57 Felon program, which, as per Officials, was not able to produce any satisfactory results.