The Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on May 27, 2025, that both public and private defense companies in the nation will have equal opportunities to compete in developing the prototype of the indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, known as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This announcement could end Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) monopoly on fighter jet manufacturing.
An important turning point for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the country’s defense sector has been reached with the official advancement of India’s ambitious ambition to create an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This action is being taken in the midst of increased security concerns, especially in light of Operation Sindoor and the expanding military alliance between China and Pakistan.
A medium-weight, twin-engine, multi-role fighter with deep penetration capabilities, advanced stealth features, and next-generation technologies like manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), advanced stealth coatings, AI-enabled systems, internal weapons bays, and next-generation AESA radars is what the AMCA project aims to deliver.
Its advancement is anticipated to greatly increase India’s air strength and place the nation among the select few that currently fly fifth-generation stealth fighters, which are the US, China, and Russia.
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd), a former IAF Chief, emphasized the need of the AMCA in light of changing aerial warfare. He emphasized that in highly disputed areas, where adversaries like Pakistan, backed by China, are deploying cutting-edge technologies like the J-10, JF-17, and even the J-35 stealth aircraft, stealth is now essential to survivability and mission success.
The transition from close combat to long-range battles, which now frequently span more than 200 kilometers, necessitates platforms that can avoid detection and function well in networked, sensor-rich battle areas, according to Bhadauria.
The necessity of technological superiority and quick reaction times was highlighted by Operation Sindoor, in which Indian fighter jets and drones targeted terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Drones, missiles, and Pakistan’s use of Chinese-supplied systems during the ensuing aerial battle highlighted how urgent it is for India to update its air force using domestically produced equipment.
The AMCA program is not just a technological advancement but also a strategic necessity as a result of China’s alleged acceleration in providing Pakistan with J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters, further shifting the balance of air power in the region. Bhadauria emphasized that these achievements are directly related to the government’s determination to expedite the AMCA, indicating a clear intention to boost India’s domestic defense ecosystem and lessen reliance on outside suppliers.
The AMCA initiative’s paradigm shift in India’s approach to defense manufacturing is one of its noteworthy features. For the first time, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is inviting private Indian companies to compete with it in the development and manufacturing of the fighter. The Ministry of Defense views this action as a “huge leap of faith” in the private sector’s capacity to complete such a costly project. It is anticipated that the competitive bidding procedure will promote efficiency, innovation, and a strong domestic aerospace sector.
With the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) spearheading development in collaboration with the public and private sectors, the AMCA program is expected to cost approximately ₹15,000 crore. Operational deployment is anticipated in the mid-2030s, with the first prototype anticipated by 2028. It is projected that at least 120 aircraft will be delivered, joining current platforms such as the Tejas, Rafale, and Su-30MKI to create a new backbone for the IAF.
India is pursuing the AMCA as a long-term investment in technological independence as well as a reaction to current strategic issues. According to Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria, the AMCA aims to achieve strategic autonomy, stimulate domestic industry, and equip the IAF for the future of aerial combat, in addition to just matching the capabilities of enemies. In an increasingly contentious climate, the project’s success will be crucial to preserving regional balance and protecting India’s airspace.
