Cabinet Approval Paves the Way for India’s AMCA Fighter Jet

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CSS) has approved ₹15,000 crore fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fighter jet project for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This project is under the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). ADA will be collaborating with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to manufacture the prototypes of the aircraft.

Details of the Fighter Jet Project

The CCS approval for the fighter jet project by DRDO and HAL has been pending for at least a year and a half. The initial design review of the aircraft was completed in 2022. In March 2022, the Ministry of Defence informed the Parliamentary that they had started the process to get approval from CCS for preparing the design and prototype type of AMCA. In March 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Flight Control System (FCS) facility in Bengaluru, where R&D is being done for the avionics of AMCA.

Engines for AMCA

During PM Modi’s visit to the US, India signed an agreement with General Electric (GE) to manufacture 99 F-414 engines under Make in India. These engines will be made for the Mark-2 version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, i.e. Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) manufactured by HAL.

During this agreement, General Electric company also asserted that they would cooperate for the engines of MK fighter planes. Right now, it is believed that AMCA’s prototype will also be equipped with the General Electric company F-414 engine. Once the AMCA reaches production, it will be fitted with a heavy engine from GE or Safran of France.

Conclusion

In 2007, it was previously reported that India had partnered up with Russia for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) to develop a stealth fighter – Su-57. After several discussions about the engine, work share and more, in 2018, India withdrew from the programme.

The first fighter jet of AMCA is expected to take place in the next five years, i.e. before 2030. However, the jet may take longer to join the Air Force.

The AMCA will put India among a group of nations, such as Russia and the USA, which have developed a fifth-generation fighter. America already has two stealth fighter jets, the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning. Russia also has Su-57 and Su-75 Checkmate jets. Recently, Russia offered their Checkmate jet to India. However, with the approval of the cabinet, it is confirmed that India is ready for an indigenous AMCA fighter jet.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.