New Delhi, May 28 - India’s defense ministry, under the leadership of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a framework to develop the country’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This decision marks a significant step in bolstering India’s indigenous defense capabilities, particularly in response to escalating regional tensions with Pakistan and the rapid modernization of China’s air force. The AMCA project aims to produce a fifth-generation, twin-engine stealth fighter jet, designed to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities and address the strategic challenges posed by its neighbors. The approval comes in the wake of a recent four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan, which involved the use of fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, underscoring the urgency of advancing India’s air superiority.
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The Indian Air Force currently operates 31 squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42, relying heavily on Russian and French aircraft such as the Su-30MKI and Rafale. This shortfall, coupled with China’s expanding air force and its reported offer to supply Pakistan with advanced J-35A stealth fighters by early 2026, has prompted New Delhi to accelerate its indigenous stealth aircraft program. The AMCA is envisioned as a medium-weight, deep-penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features, intended to form the backbone of the IAF alongside the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. The project is expected to cost approximately Rs 15,000 crore, with the state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) leading its execution. The ADA will soon invite both public and private defense firms to bid for developing a prototype, with the condition that the lead entity be an Indian company compliant with national regulations. This open bidding process, allowing independent or joint ventures, aims to foster a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem.
The recent India-Pakistan conflict, triggered by a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and followed by India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, highlighted the evolving nature of warfare in the region. Both nations deployed advanced fighter jets and drones at scale, marking a new phase in their decades-long rivalry. Pakistan’s air force, equipped with Chinese-made J-10C jets, reportedly performed strongly, with claims of downing Indian aircraft, though India has not confirmed these losses. The conflict, which ended with a U.S.-mediated ceasefire, underscored the strategic importance of advanced military technology, particularly stealth capabilities, in maintaining a regional balance of power.
India’s push for the AMCA reflects a broader strategy to counter China’s growing military influence, especially its support for Pakistan’s arsenal. The project also addresses delays in existing programs, such as the slow delivery of Tejas aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, attributed to supply chain issues with General Electric engines. By prioritizing indigenous development, India aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and enhance its self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The AMCA program is poised to strengthen the IAF’s operational readiness and position India as a formidable player in the global aerospace sector, amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.