AMCA: Indian fifth-generation fighter project gets «green light» to begin development

The Security Committee of the Cabinet of Ministers approved the budget needed to move forward with the development of the AMCA, India’s future fifth-generation fighter.

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The AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project, which aims to develop a fifth-generation, low-radar-signature, multi-role fighter, spawned after India abandoned its participation in the development of the Russian Sukhoi Su-57, received the green light from the Cabinet Committee on Security following the approval of a budget of Rs. 15. Billion rupees under which the Defense Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Aeronautics Development Agency will develop the aircraft and its technologies in collaboration with various public and private sector agencies.

The project includes the construction of up to 5 prototypes of the AMCA by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), expected to roll-out by 2026.

AMCA, the future Indian stealth figther

Initial design of the AMCA began in 2009 and is planned to be a twin-engine stealth aircraft with internal weapons bay and supersonic diverterless entry (DSI), which, along with other design elements and modern construction materials, will significantly reduce its radar signature.

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It will be a 25-ton aircraft, capable of carrying about 1,500 kg of internal payload and another 5,500 kg of external payload, with 6,500 kg of internal fuel.

AMCA will be developed in two phases: AMCA MK1 powered by the U.S. GE414 engine (but made in India), and an AMCA Mk2 with a more advanced and powerful domestic engine, which is planned to be developed jointly with the French firm SAFRAN.

The start of full production should begin in 2029 for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which aims to induct 200 of these advanced fighters from the early 2030s.