| Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft | |
|---|---|
 Model at Aero India 2021 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Stealthmultirole combat aircraft |
| National origin | India |
| Manufacturer | [to be determined][1] |
| Designer | Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Status | Prototype development[2] |
| Primary users | Indian Air Force (intended) Indian Navy (intended) |
TheAdvanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is an Indian single-seat,twin-engine, all-weatherfifth-generationstealth,multirole combat aircraft being developed for theIndian Air Force and theIndian Navy. The aircraft is being designed by theAeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an aircraft design agency under theMinistry of Defence. Mass production of the aircraft is planned to start by 2033 or 2034.[3][4]
While the Mark 1 variant of AMCA will be equipped with 5th generation technologies, the Mark 2 variant will have the incremental 6th generation technology upgrades.[5][6][7] The AMCA is intended to perform a multitude of missions includingair supremacy,ground-strike,Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) andelectronic warfare (EW) missions. It is intended to supplant theSukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter, which forms the backbone of the IAF fighter fleet.[5][8] The AMCA design is optimized for lowradar cross section andsupercruise capability.[9][10]
As of February 2025, the prototype development phase is underway after the completion of feasibility study, preliminary design stage and detailed design phase.[11] It is currently the only fifth generation fighter under development in India.[12]
The AMCA programme, earlier known as theMedium Combat Aircraft (MCA) programme, is an Indian programme to develop a fifth-generation combat aircraft. It began as a parallel programme to the Indo-RussiaSukhoi/HAL FGFA.[13] The AMCA programme was launched in 2010.[14] Although envisioned as a 20-tonne class fighter earlier,[13] now AMCA is 25-tonne class fighter.[15]
In April 2010, theIndian Air Force issued an Air Staff Qualitative Requirement (ASQR) for the AMCA. A feasibility study was launched in October 2010 after a fund allocation of₹90crore (equivalent to₹202 crore or US$24 million in 2023) by the Defence Ministry. In November, theAeronautical Development Agency (ADA) sought an additional funding of₹9,000 crore (equivalent to₹200 billion or US$2.4 billion in 2023) for the development of two technology demonstrators and seven prototypes. By the time, the first flight was expected in 2017.[16]
.jpg)
The first scaled demonstration of a 1:8 scale model was unveiled at the2013 edition ofAero India. TheProject Definition and Preliminary Design phase was completed by February 2014 while Engineering Technology & Manufacturing Development (ETMD) phase begun in January 2014. By the time the first flight schedule was pushed back to 2018.[16]
From November 2013 to December 2014, 9 design configurations of AMCA, starting from 3B-01 to 3B-09, were studied usingCAD, low-speed and high-speedwind tunnel testing, andradar cross section (RCS) testing at theCalspan Wind Tunnel. By the end of 2014, configuration 3B-09 was chosen. Also, the initial funding for feasibility studies were utilised and a further₹4,000 crore (equivalent to₹64 billion or US$750 million in 2023) funding was expected for 3 to 4 prototypes with a first flight target of 2020-21.[17][18]
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy sought details of the project for a naval variant in March 2013. The proposed variant is referred to as NAMCA or AMCA-N. The naval requirements were officially sent on 7 September 2015 and the aircraft would equip their futureIAC-2.[16]
In Aero India2015, the basic design configuration of AMCA was finalized. Major technologies under development at the time were stealth,thrust vectoring and super cruise. DRDO plans to finalise a partner within six months for a 110kN thrust-class engine. Meanwhile, Russia was collaborating for development of thrust vectoring.[19] The design was accepted by IAF in 2016.[20]
In 2018, ADA received additional funding of₹447 crore (equivalent to₹598 crore or US$70 million in 2023) for the detailed design phase (DDP). By 2019, the programme faced multiple delays while India pulled out from the Indo-Russian FGFA development project which was for a different weight category. AMCA became the "first preference" of the IAF.[21]
As of 2022, after multiple delays, theMinistry of Defence was seeking approval of from theCabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the prototype development phase. Again, the timeline of first flight by 2020 (and production by 2025) was shifted to 2026.[16]
The design work was completed in 2023, and approval for the₹15,000 crore (US$1.8 billion) project for prototype development was received from CCS in March 2024.[11] TheDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) expects to roll out the first prototype in three years and the first flight in one to one and (a) half years after that".[15][22] Total 5 prototypes are to be built.[23][24] The first flight is expected in late 2028. The first three prototypes will carry out developmental flight trials, whereas the next two will focus on weapon trials. The prototype will be rolled out at an interval of 8-9 months.[25][26]
ASpecial Purpose Vehicle (SPV) consisting of ADA,Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and a private company is being formed for the development and production of AMCA.[27]
At the Aero India2025, afull-scale engineering model of the AMCA was publicly demonstrated for the first time.[28] As revealed during the event, ADA has laid out a 10-year development roadmap for the rollout of five prototypes after the full-scale engineering development phase began in April 2024. The prototype roll out is planned by late 2026 or early 2027, followed by first flight in 2028, certification by 2032 and induction in 2034. The timeline details was provided by Krishna Rajendra Neeli, the Project Director of the AMCA programme. Each prototype will cost₹1,000 crore (US$120 million). The CCS mentioned that any cost overruns during the development should be reported directly to CCS instead of the Defence Ministry.[29][1]
It was also reported that the government is yet to decide the production partner for the aircraft since ADA has proposed to hand over the responsibility to private sector companies rather that HAL in view of the company's "not-so-great delivery track-record". Multiple meetings had been held and HAL pushed for an additional assembly-line dedicated to AMCA if required. Meanwhile, the government has shifted to an "industry partnership model" instead of the initial plans for SPV. ADA's push for changing the production partner is to avoid any further delays following setbacks from development funding and lack of clearance from the US government for license production of engines. The private sector partner would be responsible for development, production and lifetime maintenance of the jet.[1]
In March 2025, it was reported that the Ministry of Defence formed a panel to examine increasing the role of private sector companies in the development of the AMCA.[30] As of 17 March 2025, reports suggested that another top level committee was evaluating a "clear-cut strategy and production-cum-business model" to accelerate the development of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The committee is chaired by the Defence Secretary and its members include Secretary of Defence Production,Vice Chief of the Air StaffAir MarshalSP Dharkar and top officials fromAeronautical Development Agency (ADA) andDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The committee, tasked to devise a plan to "shrink timelines" to get AMCA from drawing board to air as well as the high thrust indigenous engine development, is expected to be its report submitted in April.[31][32][33]
As of December 2014, ADA had plans to issue anrequest for proposal (RfP) to sixoriginal equipment manufacturers (OEMs), by April 2015, for co-development of anafterburninglow-bypass turbofan of the 110kN thrust class. As of then, AMCA had a requirement of 105kN thrust engines against its maximumMTOW of 24.2 tonnes.[18]
As per aGovernment statement in theRajya Sabha during the Winter Session 2021, there is a proposal to jointly develop the engine for AMCA with the help of foreign partner using theknow how from the Kaveri engine development programme.[34]
On 15 July 2023, India and France agreed to collaborate for the joint development of a combat aircraft engine, which would power the Mark-2 variant of AMCA as part of the Horizon 2047 document for India-France strategic partnership. A roadmap for this project will be prepared between French firmSafran and India’s DRDO before the end of 2023.[35][36]
On 18 November 2023, Dr. Samir V. Kamat of DRDO announced that the United States has provided the necessary permits, opening the door forGE Aerospace and HAL to jointly produce theGeneral Electric F414 engine in India forHAL Tejas Mark 2 and for the first two squadrons of AMCA.[37][38]
As of September 2024, foreign firms who offeredjoint venture development includes the US-originGeneral Electric, UK-originRolls-Royce and French-originSafran. The latter two has also offered 100%intellectual property (IP) of engine design. Safran and Rolls-Royce have also received clearance from their respective countries for the engine development.[39][40] Reportedly, Safran is the frontrunner for the deal and discussions are underway among Safran,ADA andGTRE as of October 2024. In October 2024, Safran and HAL also signed anMoU to develop industrial cooperation in forging parts’ manufacturing for commercial engines including those. HAL, in its Bangalore facility would supple engine parts ofCFM International LEAP toSafran Aircraft Engines.[41][42]
On 18 February 2025, it was also reported that while France was in an advanced stages of talks with India,Rolls-Royce Holdings was in talks with India for the engine co-development programme for AMCA. They has offered "to co-develop and co-design, allowing India to own the Intellectual Property (IP) in India, for India for use in current as well as future programmes". They had completed the first phase of discussions for the development.[43]
In an interview given in 2020, the then Air Force ChiefR. K. S. Bhadauria stated that "The planning process is already underway for combat systems like optionally manned sixth generation technologies,smart wingman concept, swarm drones, long persistentHALE (High-Altitude Long Endurance) platforms andhypersonic weapons, among others.[44] He also added that it is imperative to incorporate such advanced technologies to keep AMCA relevant.[45]
The AMCA is a twin-engine, stealth supersonic multi-role fighter designed for the IAF.[5] At present, the AMCA is planned as a fifth generation fighter but will integrate emerging, best-of-breed sixth-generation technologies over time.[45] The AMCA would be the first fifth generation fighter to enter service with the Indian Air Force.[46][47]
The AMCA is designed with shoulder mounteddiamond shaped trapezoidal wings, a profile with substantialarea-ruling to reduce drag attransonic speeds, and astabilatorV-tail with large fuselage mountedtail-wing.[48] Flight control surfaces include leading and trailing-edge flaps,ailerons, rudders on the cantedvertical stabilizers, and all-movingtailplanes; these surfaces also serve asair brakes. Thecockpit features a single seat configuration which is placed high, near the air intakes and wings of the aircraft to provide good visibility to the pilot with a single bubble canopy.[48] Aleading-edge root extension (LERX), which is a smallfillet, is situated on the front section of the intake and wings of the aircraft. It has a typically roughly rectangular shape, running forward from the leading edge of the wing root to a point along the fuselage.[48] The aircraft features atricycle landing gear configuration. The weapons bay is placed on the underside of the fuselage between the nose and main landing gear. The AMCA is designed to produce a very small radar cross-section, to accomplish this it features "S-shaped" air-intakes to reduce radar exposure to the fan blade which increases stealth, uses an internalweapons bay and features the use ofcomposites and other materials.[48] Theflight control surfaces are controlled by a central management computer system. The AMCA will have some sixth generation characteristics such as an optionally crewed, directed energy weapons, capable of controlling UCAVs, andswarm drones.[49][45]
The AMCA design has inherent radar stealth, achieved through twin-tail layout,[14] platform edge alignment and serration, body conformal antenna and low intercept radar,diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) with serpentine ducts which conceal engine fan blades, internal weapons bay and extensive use of composites in airframe.[14] According toJanes Information Services quoting ADA, the airframe of AMCA will have 38–40% composite. As of October 2022, designers are still in the process of refining the radar deflection capability of AMCA.[50] It will also useradar-absorbent materials wherever necessary.[16]
On November 26, 2024,IIT Kanpur introduced Anālakṣhya, aMeta-material SurfaceCloaking System (MSCS) formulti-spectral camouflage. The Meta-material Microwave Absorber improves stealth capabilities againstSynthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging by wave absorption across a wide spectrum. Additionally, it provides great defense against radar-guided missiles. From 2019 to 2024, it was tested in both lab and field settings under various circumstances. Meta Tattva Systems is the licensee of the technology for industrial production and is currently under acquisition by theIndian Armed Forces. This technology is of interest to DRDO for AMCA development.[51][52]
The AMCA is expected to have distributed passive sensors withArtificial intelligence (AI) assisted multi-sensor data fusion to increase situational awareness and to work in tandem with the advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite onboard AMCA.[53][54] The AMCA has a distributed processing system employing fast processors and smart subsystems.[55] The AMCA will also have an integrated vehicle health monitoring system, an onboardcondition monitoring system, which works on sensor fusion. Such development for the jet was first reported in 2011.[56][57] The jet also features an "Electronic Pilot" which will enhance the decision-making capabilities of pilots. This will "enhancesituational awareness, identify threats automatically, assist in complex combat scenarios".[28]
AMCA will be equipped with a larger and powerful variant of theUttam AESA Radar which will usegallium nitride (GaN) technology.[58] It will be mounted on a mechanically steerable mount.[48] The platform will be equipped with a quadruple digitalfly-by-optics control system using fibre optic cables to reduce weight, increase the rate of data transfer and reduce electromagnetic interference.[16]
The AMCA will have a glass cockpit equipped with a wide panoramic touchscreen display for enhancedman-machine interaction, a multi function display (MFD) placed in portrait orientation and a wide-angle holographichead-up display (HUD). The AMCA will havehands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) arrangement with right hand on stick and left hand on throttle settings to ease the pilot workload.[59][54]
The AMCA is to be powered by twoafterburning turbofan engines. The plan is to equip General Electric F414 afterburning turbofan engine on AMCA Mark-1,[60] while a more powerfuljoint venture (JV) engine is planned for AMCA Mark-2.[56][61]
The AMCA features an internalweapons bay for carrying missiles and standoff precision guided munitions in stealthy configuration, while also has provision for external hardpoints for carrying ordinance externally for non-stealthy missions.[62][63]Directed energy weapons are also planned to be equipped on the AMCA.[64]
Indian Air Force – 7 squadrons, 125 units (expected)[65][66]
Specifications can vary as the aircraft is still in development. All the information is based on available non-official sources - approximate and preliminary.
Data fromJane's All the World's Aircraft,[67]The Hindu[68]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Avionics
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)