Why this matters now
AMCA is tested for: ADA + HAL development roles; Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanction 7 March 2024 (Rs 15,000 crore); 5.5-generation features (stealth, supercruise, IWB, sensor fusion, networked warfare); Mk-1 with GE F-414 engines + Mk-2 with indigenous engine partnering with foreign OEM; relationship with Russia’s Su-57 + US F-35 (India not approached) + China’s J-20 + Turkey’s KAAN; the recent Defence Ministry approval 27 May 2025 of competitive private+public industrial model for prototype.
Specifications
- Generation: 5.5 (per ADA) or 5 (international classification).
- Engines: Mk-1: 2 × GE F-414 (98 kN with afterburner). Mk-2: 2 × indigenous 110 kN engine being co-developed with Safran (France) / Rolls-Royce / GE.
- MTOW: 25 tonnes.
- Wing area: 50 m².
- Stealth: Low radar cross-section (RCS); serrated edges; canted vertical stabilisers; internal weapons bay (IWB) + 2 side bays; radar-absorbent material.
- Avionics: AESA radar (indigenous Uttam upgrade); EW suite; IRST; SDR; sensor fusion.
- Weapons (IWB): 4 BVRAAM (Astra Mk-II/Mk-III) + 2 SRAAM; external pylons for non-stealth missions.
- Capabilities: Mach 1.8 supercruise (without afterburner); 1500 km combat radius; sensor + data fusion across IAF network; networked warfare.
History
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2008 | AMCA project conceived by ADA. |
| 2010 | Preliminary Design Report submitted. |
| 2016 | Aero India: AMCA model unveiled. |
| 2019 | Critical Design Review. |
| 2022-23 | Wind-tunnel testing. |
| 7 Mar 2024 | Cabinet Committee on Security sanctions AMCA programme at Rs 15,000 crore for 5 prototypes (TD-1 to TD-5) + ground systems. |
| 2024-25 | Detailed design phase; engine selection (Mk-1 GE F-414 confirmed Sep 2024). |
| 27 May 2025 | Defence Ministry approved competitive private+public industrial partnership model — HAL no longer mandatory; can include Tata, L&T, Adani as competitive bidders. |
| 2028-29 | First flight target. |
| 2034-35 | Induction target (initial 7 squadrons IAF). |
Global 5-gen comparison
| Country | Aircraft | Status |
|---|---|---|
| USA | F-22 Raptor | Production ended 2011; 187 in service. |
| USA | F-35 Lightning II | In service; 1000+ built. |
| Russia | Su-57 Felon | Limited induction since 2020. |
| China | J-20 Mighty Dragon | 200+ in service since 2017. |
| China | J-35 (export Su-57 rival) | Pakistan ordered 40 in Dec 2024. |
| Turkey | KAAN (Kaan) | Maiden flight 2 Feb 2024; planned 2028. |
| South Korea | KF-21 Boramae | Prototype 19 Jul 2022; 4.5-gen now, 5-gen planned. |
| India | AMCA | Sanctioned Mar 2024; first flight target 2028-29; induction 2034-35. |
UPSC angle
Know AMCA — Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft; ADA + HAL indigenous 5.5-GEN STEALTH TWIN-ENGINE MULTIROLE FIGHTER; CABINET COMMITTEE ON SECURITY SANCTIONED 7 MARCH 2024 RS 15000 CRORE for 5 prototypes + ground systems; conceived 2008 ADA, design 2010, Aero India model 2016, CDR 2019, wind-tunnel 2022-23; 27 May 2025 Defence Min approved COMPETITIVE PRIVATE+PUBLIC industrial model (HAL no longer mandatory, Tata+L&T+Adani can bid); 1ST FLIGHT TARGET 2028-29; INDUCTION 2034-35 initial 7 IAF squadrons; SPECS: Mk-1 2× GE F-414 98 kN; Mk-2 2× indigenous 110 kN co-dev Safran/Rolls-Royce/GE; MTOW 25 t; wing 50 m²; stealth low RCS+serrated edges+canted vertical stabilisers + INTERNAL WEAPONS BAY (IWB) + 2 side bays + RAM; AESA radar indigenous Uttam upgrade + EW + IRST + SDR + sensor fusion; weapons IWB 4 BVRAAM Astra Mk-II/III + 2 SRAAM + external pylons non-stealth; Mach 1.8 SUPERCRUISE; 1500 km combat radius; GLOBAL 5-GEN: F-22 (US ended 2011), F-35 (US 1000+), Su-57 (Russia 2020 limited), J-20 (China 200+ since 2017), J-35 (China, Pakistan 40 Dec 2024), KAAN (Turkey maiden 2 Feb 2024), KF-21 (S.Korea prototype 19 Jul 2022).
Frequently asked questions
What is AMCA?
India’s indigenous 5.5-generation twin-engine stealth multirole fighter under development by ADA + HAL.
When was AMCA sanctioned?
By the Cabinet Committee on Security on 7 March 2024 at Rs 15,000 crore for 5 prototypes (TD-1 to TD-5).
When will AMCA fly?
First flight target 2028-29; IAF induction target 2034-35 with initial 7 squadrons.
Will AMCA use indigenous engines?
Mk-1 will use US GE F-414 engines (98 kN). Mk-2 will use a co-developed 110 kN indigenous engine partnering with Safran (France), Rolls-Royce or GE.