AMCA Mission Cleared for Takeoff: India’s Defence Ministry Ushers in Public-Private Jet Age

Updated: May 27, 2025 10:35

Image Source: Jetline Marvel

India’s Ministry of Defence has approved a groundbreaking execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, marking a major leap in the country’s quest for indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet capabilities. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will soon issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) to invite industry partners for the development phase, setting the stage for robust public-private collaboration.

Key Highlights:

Execution Model Approved: The Defence Minister has greenlit the AMCA execution model, emphasizing industry partnership to harness both public and private sector strengths for prototype development and eventual production.
ADA to Lead with Industry Partners: The Aeronautical Development Agency, under the Ministry of Defence, will spearhead the project, providing equal opportunities for private and public sector companies to participate independently, as joint ventures, or consortia.
EoI to be Issued Soon: ADA will shortly release an Expression of Interest for the development phase, inviting bids from Indian companies with proven aerospace capabilities.
Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The initiative is a significant step towards self-reliance in aerospace, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet: The AMCA is designed as a single-seat, twin-engine, stealth multirole combat aircraft, intended for both the Indian Air Force and Navy, and featuring advanced avionics, stealth, and supercruise capabilities.
Production Roadmap: The programme aims for the first prototype rollout by 2026-27, first flight by 2028, certification by 2032, and induction into service by 2034-35.
Private Sector Role: The model encourages significant private sector participation, with leading contenders expected to include Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, and others with a strong track record in defence manufacturing.

This new model is expected to accelerate development, expand India’s aerospace industrial base, and ensure timely delivery of cutting-edge fighter jets to the armed forces.

Source: Press Information Bureau, SSB Crack, Defence.in

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