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In a landmark step toward strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has greenlit the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. On Tuesday (May 27, 2025) the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has secured final design approval. And soon the development phase will begin in collaboration with Indian industry partners under a competitive model.
The AMCA, a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter jet, is central to India’s long-term airpower ambitions. The newly approved execution framework ensures equal participation opportunities for both public and private sector entities. Indian companies can enter the bid independently, form joint ventures, or operate as consortia, provided they meet the compliance requirements set by Indian laws.
“This decision reinforces our commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat by leveraging indigenous expertise for building a cutting-edge combat aircraft,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while announcing the approval. ADA is expected to issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) shortly to identify suitable industry collaborators for the AMCA’s development phase.
A Fighter for a Two-Front Threat
The AMCA comes at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively preparing for potential challenges along both its western and eastern borders. With ongoing persistent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), and tensions with China across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Air Force is gearing up for a possible two-front war.
Industry Participation And The Engine Race
In a significant shift from traditional procurement strategies, the AMCA project will see deeper industry engagement, particularly in high-value areas such as propulsion systems. BharatShakti has recently reported India is currently weighing proposals from global engine manufacturers — including France’s Safran, the UK’s Rolls Royce, and the US-based General Electric — to power the AMCA.
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The French Safran is emerging as a front-runner, having already supplied engines for several Indian platforms. A joint Indo-French initiative is in the works to co-develop a 110-kilonewton class engine, which could include full technology transfer and shared intellectual property rights — a transformative step for India’s defence aerospace sector.
UK based Rolls Royce has also pitched a joint design model, offering India full ownership of IP and broader cooperation in maritime propulsion technologies.
Meanwhile, GE’s track record with delayed engine supplies for the LCA Tejas program has raised concerns about reliability, although its F414 engine remains a potential interim solution.
Bridging The Capability Gap
While China has already demonstrated a prototype of its sixth-generation fighter, India’s AMCA remains a fifth-generation project, with the first flight expected by 2026. The projected induction timeline extends into the early 2030s, raising strategic concerns about keeping pace with global advancements in air combat technology.
Former IAF officers and defence analysts have stressed the need to accelerate development timelines through global partnerships and targeted investments. “Time is critical. To remain competitive, India must streamline its R&D process and prioritize indigenous engine development,” a former IAF officer opined.
Decisions on engine partnerships and private-sector participation will not only shape the success of the AMCA but also determine India’s position in the evolving landscape of aerial warfare.
As regional threats mount and global air forces transition to sixth-generation technologies, India’s resolve to close the capability gap — while boosting domestic industry — may prove pivotal in securing its strategic autonomy.
