The AMCA fighter jet, India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth aircraft, is soaring toward reality, with over 60% of its prototype completed and a maiden flight slated for early 2026. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and private industry, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) promises to redefine India’s defense capabilities. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies like DRDO’s Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Astra Mk2 missiles, and powered by the GE F414 engine, the AMCA fighter jet is poised to rival global counterparts like the F-35.
This ambitious project, valued at over $15 billion, is a cornerstone of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The AMCA fighter jet will feature advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise technology, and enhanced situational awareness, making it a formidable asset against modern threats. With a production capacity of 24 jets annually once operational, the aircraft will bolster the Indian Air Force’s fleet, reducing reliance on foreign imports. The program is also expected to create thousands of high-skill jobs, fostering a robust aerospace ecosystem in India.
The journey to the AMCA fighter jet began with a vision to close the technological gap in India’s defense arsenal. Unlike its predecessors, the Tejas, the AMCA incorporates fifth-generation features like low radar observability and multi-role capabilities for air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare. The DRDO’s Aeronautics Development Agency (ADA) is leveraging partnerships with global giants like GE Aviation and local firms to ensure the jet meets international standards. The AESA radar, capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously, and the indigenous Astra Mk2 missiles, with a range exceeding 150 km, give the AMCA a lethal edge.
India’s push for self-reliance in defense comes at a critical time. Global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions underscore the need for indigenous solutions. The AMCA fighter jet, with its projected delivery of the first squadron by 2029, positions India as a rising power in the global defense market, expected to grow to $2.8 trillion by 2030. The project also aligns with the government’s approval of ₹2 lakh crore in defense projects in 2024, including nuclear submarines and additional fighter jets, signaling a strategic pivot toward domestic innovation.
Beyond its military significance, the AMCA fighter jet is a symbol of India’s technological ambition. It inspires a generation of engineers and innovators, with the project fostering advancements in AI, materials science, and avionics. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted during a recent defense expo, “India’s defense capabilities are not just about strength but about self-belief.” The AMCA embodies this spirit, blending cutting-edge technology with national pride.
As the AMCA fighter jet nears its first flight, it carries the hopes of a nation eager to assert its place on the global stage. From design labs in Bengaluru to test ranges in Odisha, this aircraft is a testament to India’s ingenuity and resolve. For every Indian, the AMCA is more than a machine—it’s a soaring symbol of a self-reliant future.