India’s 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Gets Green Light: AMCA Project Moves Ahead with DRDO at Helm

In a major milestone for India's defence ambitions, the government has approved the execution model for the country’s most advanced fighter aircraft project — the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This marks a big step forward in India’s journey toward self-reliance in the defence sector, also known as Atmanirbharta. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave the go-ahead for this ambitious programme, placing the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in charge of leading the effort.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a part of DRDO, will spearhead the AMCA project. The ADA has earlier been responsible for developing India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, and it will now carry that experience into this new venture. To make the project a true symbol of national capability, ADA will partner with Indian companies from both the public and private sectors. According to the Defence Ministry, these companies can participate individually, as joint ventures, or as part of consortiums.

An Expression of Interest (EoI) for the development phase of the AMCA will soon be released, inviting Indian firms to bid for various roles in building the aircraft. Only Indian-registered companies that follow all national laws will be allowed to participate. This move will not only boost indigenous capabilities but also help build a strong aerospace manufacturing base within the country.

The AMCA is designed to be a fifth-generation stealth fighter, meaning it will have advanced features such as reduced radar visibility, superior maneuverability, high speed without using afterburners (supercruise), and all-weather combat readiness. It is expected to replace or complement India’s existing frontline fighters like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI in the coming decades.

Once operational, the AMCA will place India in an elite group of nations capable of designing and manufacturing fifth-generation combat jets — a group that currently includes the United States, Russia, and China. It’s also a critical part of India’s strategy to reduce reliance on foreign military imports and to become a major global player in defence technology.

Although exact timelines may shift, reports suggest that full-scale production of the AMCA could begin by 2035. The project is not just a leap forward in terms of technology but also a significant moment in India’s vision of being a self-reliant and secure nation.

With this clearance, India has taken a major step toward creating a powerful, homegrown fighter aircraft that reflects both its technical expertise and strategic independence.