Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) represents India’s most ambitious indigenous fighter jet programme, aimed at developing a fifth-generation stealth, multi-role combat aircraft. Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation through its Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the project recently advanced with the shortlisting of private sector consortia for prototype development, reflecting increased public-private collaboration in defence manufacturing.

Historically, India has relied heavily on foreign fighter aircraft such as Sukhoi-30 MKI and Rafale. Earlier attempts at fifth-generation capability, notably the FGFA project with Russia, did not materialise, prompting India to pursue an indigenous solution. The approval of the AMCA prototype in 2024 by the Cabinet Committee on Security marked a decisive shift toward self-reliance in advanced military aviation.