Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
| Company type | Government project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defence |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) |
| Headquarters | Bangalore , India |
Area served | India |
Key people | Defence Secretary (chair of committee as of 2025), Air Marshal SP Dharkar |
| Products | Fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft (AMCA) |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence (India) |
| Parent | Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) |
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) represents a forthcoming Indian initiative to develop a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter of the fifth generation, intended for deployment by both the Indian Air Force and Indian Naval Air Arm. This aircraft is being engineered by the Aeronautical Development Agency, an autonomous organization operating under the Ministry of Defence (India). The goal is to commence serial manufacturing by the year 2035.
The AMCA is designed to fulfill multiple roles including achieving air dominance, conducting precision ground attacks, neutralizing enemy air defense systems, and performing electronic warfare operations. It is set to succeed the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which currently serves as the primary fighter in the IAF’s inventory. The design emphasizes minimizing radar detectability and incorporates supercruise capabilities.
As of February 2025, the AMCA project has progressed into the prototype development stage following completion of feasibility assessments and both preliminary and detailed design phases. It remains India’s exclusive program focused on fifth-generation fighter technology.
AMCA programme
Originally named the Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) programme, this Indian project aims to produce a fifth-generation combat aircraft, initially running concurrently with the Indo-Russian Sukhoi/HAL FGFA collaboration. Since its inception in 2010, the AMCA has grown from a concept targeting a 20-tonne class fighter to one designed around a 25-tonne class airframe.
Feasibility study phase
In April 2010, the Indian Air Force issued its Air Staff Qualitative Requirement (ASQR) for the AMCA. The feasibility study began in October 2010 with initial funding allocated by the Defence Ministry. By November of that year, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) requested additional resources to develop two technology demonstrators and seven prototypes, aiming for an inaugural flight in 2017.
A scale model at a ratio of 1:8 was unveiled during the 2013 Aero India exhibition. The Project Definition and Preliminary Design phase was completed by February 2014, after which the Engineering Technology & Manufacturing Development phase commenced in January 2014; this shifted the anticipated first flight to 2018.
Between November 2013 and December 2014, nine different design variants (labeled 3B-01 through 3B-09) underwent rigorous computer-aided design analysis, wind tunnel testing, and radar cross-section evaluation at the Calspan Wind Tunnel facility. By late 2014, configuration 3B-09 was selected for further development. Initial funds were depleted, with an additional budget projected to support production of three to four prototypes targeting a maiden flight during 2020–21.
The Indian Navy showed interest in adapting a naval version (referred to as NAMCA or AMCA-N) in March 2013, submitting formal requirements in September 2015 for integration with upcoming IAC-2 aircraft carriers.
At Aero India 2015, the fundamental AMCA design was finalized emphasizing stealth features, thrust vectoring capabilities, and supercruise performance. This design received formal approval from the Indian Air Force in 2016.
Detailed design phase
In 2018, ADA secured further financial resources to advance the detailed design phase (DDP). By 2019, the program encountered setbacks following India's exit from the Indo-Russian FGFA initiative, elevating the AMCA to the Indian Air Force's foremost priority.
By 2022, after experiencing several postponements, the Ministry of Defence sought sanction from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to proceed with prototype development. The schedule was revised, with the inaugural flight now anticipated in 2026 instead of 2020, and production timelines extending beyond 2025.
Prototype development phase
With design activities finalized in 2023, the CCS granted approval for the prototype development project in March 2024. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) aims to unveil the initial prototype within three years, followed by a maiden flight approximately one to one and a half years afterwards. A total of five prototypes are planned for construction.
The first flight is projected for late 2028. The initial trio of prototypes will be dedicated to developmental flight testing, while the remaining two will concentrate on weapons integration trials. Prototype rollouts are scheduled every 8-9 months. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) involving ADA, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and a private enterprise is reportedly being established for AMCA’s development and manufacturing phases.
At Aero India 2025, a full-scale engineering mock-up was showcased publicly for the first time. This model was produced by Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies, which managed composite fabrication along with assembly and integration tasks.
ADA presented a decade-long plan commencing April 2024 for rolling out five prototypes: initial deliveries expected by late 2026 or early 2027, first flight slated for 2028, certification targeted by 2032, and induction planned around 2034. Each prototype is estimated to cost . The CCS mandated that any budget overruns during development must be reported directly to it rather than through the Defence Ministry.
Production partner selection
Originally, an SPV comprising ADA, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and a private company was intended to oversee AMCA’s development and manufacturing.
By February 2025, no production partner had been finalized as ADA proposed transferring responsibility predominantly to private firms instead of HAL due to its "less-than-ideal delivery record." HAL recommended establishing a dedicated AMCA assembly line; however, the government opted for an "industry partnership model" rather than an SPV approach. This shift aimed to circumvent delays linked to funding challenges and absence of US government approval for licensed engines. Under this model, the private entity would manage development, production, and lifecycle maintenance.
In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence constituted a committee chaired by the Defence Secretary to devise strategies and business frameworks accelerating AMCA development alongside indigenous engine progress. The panel includes defence production officials, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, and senior members from ADA and DRDO. A report is expected by April.
On 27 May 2025, the Defence Ministry ratified the "Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Programme Execution Model," under which ADA issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting bids from private or public companies either independently or in consortiums. The prototype rollout target is set for 2028-29, first flight in 2029, induction by 2034, and serial production commencing in 2035.
The EOI released on 18 June 2025 calls for established Indian aerospace and defence firms compliant with national regulations. Bidders must commit to setting up dedicated facilities for serial production and complete all stages including development, prototyping, flight testing, and certification within eight years from contract signing.
By September 2025, several contenders raised concerns about EOI eligibility criteria—specifically a revenue-to-order book ratio designed to prevent monopolistic dominance. HAL’s order book exceeds eight times its revenue, surpassing the stipulated limit of three times revenue. HAL indicated this necessitates forming consortia with private companies to meet eligibility requirements. Private firms highlighted difficulties competing against HAL’s entrenched infrastructure compared to their need to develop new capabilities; nonetheless, the ministry assured that ADA would provide most infrastructure required for prototype development.
As of October 2025, seven entities had responded to ADA’s EOI:
- On 24 September, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) joined forces with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), combining L&T’s defence platform proficiency with BEL’s electronics expertise. Dynamatic Technologies Limited became part of this consortium on 4 November.
- On 26 September, Bharat Forge Limited (Kalyani Group), Data Patterns (India) Limited, and BEML Limited formed a consortium leveraging Bharat Forge’s heavy engineering capabilities, BEML’s manufacturing presence, and Data Patterns’ avionics specialization.
- Goodluck India Limited, BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Limited (BATL), and Axiscades Technologies signed an MoU intending to bid jointly.
- Tata Advanced Systems submitted an independent proposal.
- Adani Defence & Aerospace, confirmed by CEO Ashish Rajvanshi, partnered with MTAR Technologies, a precision engineering firm experienced in ISRO and DRDO projects.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) issued tenders seeking private-sector collaborators for forming a public-private partnership consortium. By September HAL shortlisted potential partners from among 28 companies; notable prospects include Mahindra Group and Adani Group.
The EOI submission deadline was extended twice until 30 September. Evaluation is overseen by a committee led by former BrahMos chief A. Sivathanu Pillai. Their technical and commercial assessments will guide decisions by a panel headed by the Defence Secretary. The Ministry of Defence plans to issue a request for quotation shortly after evaluation completion. Contract negotiations will cover five prototypes plus a structural test article aiming at first AMCA prototype flight by 2029.
By late October 2025, shortlisting is anticipated by December. The Request for Proposal (RFP) may be released between January and March 2026 with contracts awarded early in 2027. Prototype deliveries are targeted for 2027–28 followed by first flights scheduled between 2029–30.
Engine development
By December 2014, ADA intended to release a request for proposal (RFP) targeting six original equipment manufacturers (OEM) by April 2015 to collaborate on creating an afterburning low-bypass turbofan engine delivering approximately thrust. The AMCA demanded engines capable of producing thrust to support its peak MTOW of 24.2 tonnes. In February 2015, DRDO aimed to select a development partner within half a year for a high-thrust engine, with Russia contributing expertise in thrust vectoring technology.
During the Winter Session of 2021, the Government of India proposed a joint effort with an international partner to develop the AMCA engine, building on insights gained from the Kaveri engine initiative.
On 15 July 2023, India and France committed to cooperating on a combat aircraft engine intended for the AMCA Mark 2 as part of the Horizon 2047 strategic alliance. A collaborative plan between French company Safran and India’s DRDO was scheduled for completion by the end of that year.
On 18 November 2023, Dr. Samir V. Kamat announced that US authorizations had enabled GE Aerospace and HAL to jointly manufacture the General Electric F414 engine in India, supporting both the HAL Tejas Mk2 and initial AMCA squadrons.
By September 2024, foreign companies proposing joint venture engine development included US-based General Electric, UK-based Rolls-Royce, and French-based Safran. Both Rolls-Royce and Safran offered full ownership of intellectual property rights (IPR), having received clearance from their respective governments. Safran became the leading contender, actively collaborating with ADA and GTRE. In October 2024, Safran and HAL formalized an MoU to foster industrial cooperation in forging components manufacturing for commercial engines, with HAL supplying parts for the CFM International LEAP engine.
By February 2025, Rolls-Royce was engaged in discussions to co-develop and co-design an engine for AMCA that would grant India complete IPR ownership. Initial talks had been concluded.
As of July 2025, DRDO was preparing a Cabinet submission to decide between Rolls-Royce and Safran for the engine project, both offering comprehensive IPR rights and technology transfer. ADA had issued requests for information and held preliminary consultations. Rolls-Royce proposed developing a family of high-thrust engines adaptable to military transport aircraft and commercial airliners; meanwhile, Safran suggested creating a prototype based on the Snecma M88 engine while enhancing the indigenous GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri program as part of offset commitments.
On 18 July 2025, India’s Ministry of Defence endorsed a strategic partnership with France aimed at co-developing next-generation engines delivering thrust. This initiative is valued at approximately INR and aligns with AMCA’s development schedule. India projects a requirement for about 250 such engines over the coming decade.
On 22 August 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed plans to co-develop the AMCA engine with Safran over a ten-year period under Horizon 2047. Contract finalization remains pending. DRDO will seek approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security for design, development, and production activities involving full technology transfer from Safran.
The roadmap includes producing nine prototypes across 12 years, beginning with engines rated at 120 kN thrust and scaling up to 140 kN. These engines will be manufactured domestically under Indian IPR ownership, with Safran transferring complete technology to GTRE. Critical technologies include advanced single crystal turbine blade manufacturing essential for high-performance functionality—originally developed by DRDO's Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory but customized here for higher-thrust demands. Production will proceed through the Development cum Production Partner programme.
Overview
The AMCA is a stealthy, twin-engine supersonic fighter jet with multi-role capabilities, developed specifically for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is set to become the IAF’s inaugural fifth-generation combat aircraft.
Its design incorporates diamond-shaped trapezoidal wings mounted at shoulder level and a fuselage shaped with significant area ruling to minimize drag during transonic flight. The aircraft features a stabilator V-tail complemented by sizable tail-wings attached to the fuselage. Control surfaces include leading and trailing-edge flaps, ailerons, rudders positioned on angled vertical stabilizers, and fully movable tailplanes that also serve as air brakes. The cockpit accommodates a single pilot seated high near the wing roots and air intakes, with a bubble canopy providing superior visibility. A leading-edge root extension—a small fillet—extends forward from the wing root’s leading edge along the fuselage. The landing gear follows a tricycle configuration, while the weapons bay is situated beneath the fuselage between the nose gear and main landing gear.
To achieve low radar detectability, the AMCA incorporates “S-shaped” air intakes designed to shield engine fan blades from radar exposure, internal weapon storage compartments, and extensive application of composite materials to boost stealth effectiveness.
Stealth and radar signature
Stealth characteristics are integral to the AMCA’s design, featuring a twin-tail structure, aligned platform edges with serrations, body-conformal antennas, low-intercept radar systems, diverterless supersonic inlets with serpentine ducts that obscure engine fans, internal weapons bays, and a high percentage of composite material use within the airframe. Reports indicate that composites constitute approximately 38–40% of the structure. As of late 2022, efforts to optimize radar signature reduction continue. Additionally, radar-absorbent coatings are applied where appropriate.
On November 26, 2024, IIT Kanpur unveiled Anālakṣhya—a Meta-material Surface Cloaking System (MSCS) designed for multi-spectral camouflage. This meta-material microwave absorber enhances stealth by mitigating synthetic-aperture radar detection through broad-spectrum wave absorption. Tested extensively between 2019 and 2024 in both laboratory and field environments, Meta Tattva Systems holds industrial production rights for this technology, which is currently being acquired by India’s Armed Forces. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is evaluating this innovation for integration into the AMCA program.
Sensors and avionics
The AMCA will be equipped with distributed passive sensor arrays combined with artificial intelligence-enabled multi-sensor data fusion to significantly improve situational awareness. These systems will be integrated into an advanced electronic warfare suite. Its architecture includes distributed processing units featuring high-speed processors and intelligent subsystems. The aircraft incorporates an integrated vehicle health monitoring system based on sensor fusion techniques to continuously assess onboard conditions—an advancement first disclosed in 2011. Furthermore, it offers "Electronic Piloting," which aids pilots by autonomously detecting threats and supporting decision-making during complex combat operations.
At Aero India 2025, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) formalized an agreement with Godrej and Boyce to develop flight control actuators for the AMCA following completion of its design phase. This collaboration encompasses precision manufacturing processes, sourcing aerospace-grade materials, assembly procedures, testing protocols, and creation of test rigs necessary for qualification standards. By September 2025, Godrej acquired technology transfer for stability actuators from DRDO, establishing India as one of the few nations capable of manufacturing these critical components domestically.
Cockpit
The AMCA is equipped with a glass cockpit that includes an expansive panoramic touchscreen, a vertically oriented multi-function display (MFD), and a wide-angle holographic head-up display. It utilizes a hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) configuration, positioning the pilot's right hand on the control stick and the left on the throttle to minimize workload during flight operations.
The Large Area Display (LAD), a high-resolution, wide-format screen developed through collaboration between DRDO and Data Patterns (India) Limited and expected to be finalized by September 2025, consolidates mission-critical data, sensor feeds, and flight parameters. This display also incorporates AI-driven Electronic Piloting features that serve as a virtual co-pilot.
Propulsion
The aircraft is propelled by two afterburning turbofan engines. The initial Mark 1 model is powered by the General Electric F414 engine, manufactured domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics. For the Mark 2 variant, plans include introducing a more powerful engine developed through a joint venture.
Armament
The AMCA will feature an internal weapons bay designed to house missiles and standoff precision-guided munitions while maintaining stealth characteristics. Additionally, it will have external hardpoints for missions where stealth is not a priority. The planned arsenal also encompasses directed energy weapons to boost its advanced combat effectiveness.
Future operators
Indian Air Force – The Indian Air Force aims to operate seven squadrons, comprising roughly 126 aircraft, as part of the Make in India initiative focused on modernizing and expanding its fighter fleet.
Specifications (projected)
As the aircraft remains under development, specifications are subject to change. The details provided are approximate and based on unofficial sources.