India Unveils Ambitious Plan for Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet: AMCA

In a significant move, Indias Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the proposal to indigenously develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation deep penetration fighter jet. The project aims to bolster the Indian Air Forces capabilities and position India among the few countries with advanced stealth fighter technology.

In a significant move, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved a long-pending proposal to indigenously design and develop a fifth-generation deep penetration Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to meet the futuristic requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

CCS Approves Procurement of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters

The CCS also accorded in-principle approval to procure 34 Dhruv advanced light helicopters for the Coast Guard and the Indian Army.

AMCA Project: A Crucial Step

The go-ahead for the AMCA project is considered crucial for India's air power capability. The country has been working on this ambitious project to develop a medium-weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features.

Project Cost and Global Context

The initial development cost of the AMCA project is estimated to be around Rs 15,000 crore. Only a select few countries, including the US, Russia, and China, currently possess fifth-generation stealth fighter jets.

Collaboration for AMCA Development

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with support from private industries, will jointly build five prototypes of the AMCA.

IAF's Long-Term Requirement

The IAF has been pushing for the AMCA project to meet its long-term requirements. India's confidence in developing the AMCA received a boost after the successful development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

Tejas: A Potent Platform

Manufactured by HAL, the Tejas aircraft serves as a potent platform for air combat and offensive air support missions, with reconnaissance and anti-ship operations as secondary roles.

IAF's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft Procurement

The IAF is also in the process of procuring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). In April 2019, the IAF issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around USD 18 billion, making it one of the world's largest military procurement programs in recent years.