ADA Refining AMCA Mk2 Design to Carry Six Astra Mk2 Missiles Internally

In a key leap for India's next-generation airpower, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is redesigning the internal weapons bay of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2 to house six Astra Mk2 air-to-air missiles. This major enhancement will significantly strengthen the fighter's air-to-air combat capabilities while preserving its stealth signature, a critical feature of any fifth-generation aircraft.

The AMCA program, led by ADA under the Ministry of Defence, is India's ambitious attempt to develop an indigenously designed stealth fighter jet. The twin-engine, multi-role aircraft is being built to deliver cutting-edge features like radar-absorbent materials, advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and a reduced radar cross-section. One of the core aspects of its stealth design is the Internal Weapons Bay (IWB), which allows the aircraft to carry weapons within its fuselage rather than on external pylons, drastically reducing its radar visibility.

Initially, the AMCA Mk1 was configured to carry four Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs) inside the weapons bay. However, the AMCA Mk2 is undergoing refinements to allow the internal bay to carry six Astra Mk2 missiles, offering a substantial firepower boost without compromising the jet’s low observability.

Why This Upgrade Matters

The Astra Mk2 is India’s next-generation BVRAAM, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It features a dual-pulse solid-fuel rocket motor and an improved seeker, giving it an extended range of about 160 kilometers—nearly double that of its predecessor. The missile is designed to maintain high energy at the terminal phase of its flight, improving kill probability against agile, maneuvering targets at long distances.

With six of these missiles stored internally, the AMCA Mk2 can:

• Simultaneously engage multiple enemy aircraft from beyond visual range.

• Retain stealth during combat, as no weapons are exposed on external hardpoints.

• Maintain aerodynamic efficiency, which enhances speed, range, and fuel efficiency.

• Surprise enemy radar systems, thanks to a very low radar cross-section and long-range strike capabilities.

This combination ensures the pilot remains undetected longer, engages threats first, and exits contested airspace safely—all crucial in modern aerial warfare.

Looking to the Future

This internal configuration is only the beginning. The AMCA’s internal weapons bay is also being designed to be modular and future-proof, allowing integration of newer missiles like the Astra Mk3, which is currently under development. The Mk3 is expected to feature a ramjet propulsion system, pushing its range and speed even further—potentially rivalling Western counterparts like the Meteor missile.

The ongoing redesign reflects ADA’s commitment to making AMCA not just stealthy but also deadly and adaptable. As threat environments evolve, the fighter will be able to incorporate newer, smarter munitions, ensuring it remains relevant well into the 2050s.

Timeline and Production Outlook

The AMCA program was formally greenlit by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), with the prototype development now in full swing. The first test flight is targeted for 2029, and full-scale production is expected to begin by 2035. Once operational, the AMCA will place India among the handful of nations with homegrown fifth-generation fighter capabilities, joining an elite club that includes the US, China, and Russia.

This upgrade to carry six Astra Mk2 missiles internally is more than just a technical modification—it’s a strategic leap forward in India's vision for future air dominance.