High-level Defence Committee Devising AMCA Production Framework to Leverage Private Sector Efficiency, Ensuring Timely Delivery to IAF

A dedicated high-level committee, under the leadership of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, is urgently working to define a production strategy for India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The committee aims to finalize its report by the end of April 2025. This plan is crucial for overcoming financial and logistical hurdles, thereby speeding up the development and eventual delivery of this 5.5-generation stealth fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The AMCA program represents a significant step in India's goal of achieving self-reliance in defence technology and manufacturing.

Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) within the DRDO, the aircraft is designed with advanced features like stealth technology, the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without afterburners (supercruise), and sophisticated electronic systems.

These capabilities are intended to give the IAF a decisive advantage in the evolving security landscape. However, the substantial costs involved in creating such an advanced fighter necessitate an innovative and efficient production plan.

To tackle this challenge, the government has formed a specialist committee featuring senior figures from India's defence establishment. Besides Defence Secretary Singh, the panel includes the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, the Secretary of Defence Production, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, and key officials from ADA and DRDO. This composition ensures a mix of operational, industrial, and technical knowledge is applied to formulate a workable production model.

Developing a Practical Production Strategy​

The committee's main goal is to recommend a production method that not only accelerates the AMCA's entry into service but is also financially sustainable over the long term. Several key approaches are reportedly under consideration:

• Public-Private Partnership (PPP) through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): A major consideration is creating an SPV, a dedicated entity where private sector companies would partner with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This model seeks to tap into the private sector's agility, investment potential, and efficiency to boost production capacity and potentially lower costs. Such a move could also foster a broader aerospace manufacturing ecosystem within India.
• Achieving Economies of Scale: To improve cost-effectiveness, the committee might recommend increasing the total number of aircraft ordered beyond the initial plan for around 100 jets (roughly five squadrons). Manufacturing a larger batch usually reduces the cost per aircraft, making the program more affordable and potentially opening doors for future exports.
• Strengthening the Domestic Supply Chain: In line with the national 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, the panel is exploring ways to develop a strong network of Indian suppliers for AMCA components. This involves encouraging participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to build local capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign parts.
• Selective International Cooperation: While the focus is on indigenous development, the committee may consider strategic partnerships with international technology firms for specific high-tech systems, like advanced engines or sensors, ensuring rapid access to cutting-edge technology without compromising the goal of self-reliance.

The deadline of April 2025 highlights the importance placed on the AMCA program. As other global powers continue to develop their own advanced combat aircraft, it is strategically important for the IAF to induct the AMCA promptly to maintain its operational readiness.

The first AMCA units are anticipated to join the IAF fleet starting in the mid-2030s. Establishing a clear and effective production roadmap now is vital to prevent delays that could affect the IAF's overall modernization schedule.

The expertise within the committee is well-aligned to this task. Air Marshal Dharkar provides direct input on the IAF's operational needs, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar brings experience in managing large-scale defence production, while ADA and DRDO representatives ensure the plan supports the complex technology and design of the AMCA.

 

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[Somebody]

Action is what is needed, enough of talks and dreams.

 

[sanket]

Good with the Production model in the sky, it will help in testing all indigenously developed Tech & Features on AMCA and fine-tune it according to feedback.

 

[Anonymus]

Thanks to China, at least they wake up IAF and DPSUs, and would fast track MRFA, AMCA project.

 

[Preet]

All talks, no show. We are losing almost 1 squadron per year due to crashes only.

It's a critical situation, and these guys are so dumb to put out the number of AMCA as 100 and Tejas Mk2 as 120. They are out of their mind!

Tejas Mk2 is to replace 200+ MiG29, Mirage, and Jaguars, and seeing the falling strength, we need at least 300 Tejas Mk2 (don't forget China has 550+ J10c).

AMCA is going against 1000+ J20 and several J35 and the upcoming J36, J50 of China, and 40 J35 and probably another 40-60 KAAN of Pakistan. And these guys put a number of 100 AMCA? We would need at least 500+ AMCA just to defend ourselves (forget any attack posture). This is the growing reality. Are these guys at the top so stupid as to not understand these basic facts?

Shortfall is not only in the squadron strength; we actually face a critical shortfall in intellect and will at our top levels! Pretty much done with defence news now.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Only talks and talks... and publishing reports... there is no deal yet regarding the jet engine, and these duffers are dreaming of making AMCA... First do a jet engine deal. Rolls-Royce is offering a good deal; grab it. Then you can expect AMCA around 2040-42... not before that...

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Expedite engine development programs. Make jet engine ecosystem bigger in India. More investment and larger talent pool should be created. Encourage pvt companies to develop smaller jet engines.

 

[Pankaj]

No need to fast-track the process, stick to only word of mouth.

Let's cross this decade and then start working on AMCA. By 2040, we will definitely start the induction of AMCA.

While sitting in a backward country and discussing a 5.5th generation fighter jet is more than enough.

We are now fed up with the words and lethargic approach of these PSUs. If these companies were serious, they must have taken the development of critical assets for the nation, such as Tejas Mark 1A, Tejas MK2, Kaveri engines, Tapas BH 201, and AMCA, on a mission mode.

Unfortunately, none of them are having an upper hand.

 

[Rohit]

No engine selected yet. How can anyone design any aircraft without it? At best sub systems can be developed and verified independently.

 

[Swetank Bharti]

All talks, no show. We are losing almost 1 squadron per year due to crashes only.

It's a critical situation, and these guys are so dumb to put out the number of AMCA as 100 and Tejas Mk2 as 120. They are out of their mind!

Tejas Mk2 is to replace 200+ MiG29, Mirage, and Jaguars, and seeing the falling strength, we need at least 300 Tejas Mk2 (don't forget China has 550+ J10c).

AMCA is going against 1000+ J20 and several J35 and the upcoming J36, J50 of China, and 40 J35 and probably another 40-60 KAAN of Pakistan. And these guys put a number of 100 AMCA? We would need at least 500+ AMCA just to defend ourselves (forget any attack posture). This is the growing reality. Are these guys at the top so stupid as to not understand these basic facts?

Shortfall is not only in the squadron strength; we actually face a critical shortfall in intellect and will at our top levels! Pretty much done with defence news now.

I will be replying on your comment on basis of paragraph-

1. Yes we do are losing almost half squadron every year but in the end it is a machine and it is not always reliable and risk free.

2. IAF officials have already shows the commitment for more than 200+ Tejas Mark 2 , same to Tejas Mark 1A where there is initial order of 83 and upcoming order of 97 will be signed (Btw I think because it will take atlest 4 years to complete 83 orders so IAF should bring some upgrades like integration of AI maybe)

3. We should let IAF to make decision on how many quantities of Tejas they want to operate but i believe it should also be more than 300.

4. Oh, so you really think that China will be able to operate 1000s of these 5th gen aircraft it will only stress their budget and economy because they are still expensive to operate, maintain and upgrade just like US where they are planning to retire F22 soon due to expensive maintenance and upgrades . And bro do you really think that TFX KAAN will come out from paper board even if they operate J35 will be very hectic for them considering their economy. And these are just initial numbers, after induction they can increase their numbers.

And THE GROWING REALITY is that most you guys are just stupid which are accessing these website just to show your opinion that what your saying that is only right thing everything else is trash. I was actually happy when jio and airtel increased their recharge prices.

And coming to article we can accelerate the program if we govt reach the conclusion for co development of 110 kn engine soon and importing some critical technologies and materials overall we are developing it from the scratch so it would still take time.

 

[Swetank Bharti]

No engine selected yet. How can anyone design any aircraft without it? At best sub systems can be developed and verified independently.

Please read the read bro , HAL has already received 8 GE F414 engines for prototype development of AMCA and Tejas Mark 2.

 

[Sandeep]

The only way to increase more private sector investment, spending and participation is that we need to manufacture at least 200 jets over a 15-20yr period or more. We should issue a license to the private sector companies to manufacture the entire jet rather than certain work packages which limits their flexibility and manufacturing capabilities.

HAL should only be responsible of carrying out the necessary tests and to certify the technology only.

 

[Midhun]

I will be replying on your comment on basis of paragraph-

1. Yes we do are losing almost half squadron every year but in the end it is a machine and it is not always reliable and risk free.

2. IAF officials have already shows the commitment for more than 200+ Tejas Mark 2 , same to Tejas Mark 1A where there is initial order of 83 and upcoming order of 97 will be signed (Btw I think because it will take atlest 4 years to complete 83 orders so IAF should bring some upgrades like integration of AI maybe)

3. We should let IAF to make decision on how many quantities of Tejas they want to operate but i believe it should also be more than 300.

4. Oh, so you really think that China will be able to operate 1000s of these 5th gen aircraft it will only stress their budget and economy because they are still expensive to operate, maintain and upgrade just like US where they are planning to retire F22 soon due to expensive maintenance and upgrades . And bro do you really think that TFX KAAN will come out from paper board even if they operate J35 will be very hectic for them considering their economy. And these are just initial numbers, after induction they can increase their numbers.

And THE GROWING REALITY is that most you guys are just stupid which are accessing these website just to show your opinion that what your saying that is only right thing everything else is trash. I was actually happy when jio and airtel increased their recharge prices.

And coming to article we can accelerate the program if we govt reach the conclusion for co development of 110 kn engine soon and importing some critical technologies and materials overall we are developing it from the scratch so it would still take time.

Yes, it's frustrating to see someone with no technical background or any whatsoever, saying we have to induct 1000+ AMCA or Mk2.

They just randomly get a number and post it as if IAF is going to take their opinion. People at IAF are actually smarter than us in deciding which and what number of airframes they need.

They just said China is going to have 1000+ J-20 as if Weenie Poo is his close friend or something, pulling some random number out of thin air.

No, China is not going to make 1000 J-20 anytime soon because they don't want to do it. Simple as that, they are going to look into other airframes.

Even if they made 1000 J-20s or whatever version they are implying, it's too much money to burn for a single airframe.

 

[Niraj Singh]

Yes, it's frustrating to see someone with no technical background or any whatsoever, saying we have to induct 1000+ AMCA or Mk2.

They just randomly get a number and post it as if IAF is going to take their opinion. People at IAF are actually smarter than us in deciding which and what number of airframes they need.

They just said China is going to have 1000+ J-20 as if Weenie Poo is his close friend or something, pulling some random number out of thin air.

No, China is not going to make 1000 J-20 anytime soon because they don't want to do it. Simple as that, they are going to look into other airframes.

Even if they made 1000 J-20s or whatever version they are implying, it's too much money to burn for a single airframe.

What about trained pilots. Will China manufacture them in their factories as well? I guess there is a limited supply of trained pilots. It takes years of training to build one trained pilot. Not everyone is cut out to be one. So China can have all its planes and fly them as well.

Yes, I agree we need to fast track our production of Mk1A and start producing Mk2 as well and we are gearing up for that. We are vulnerable till then.

5th Gen and 6th Gen are more of a fad. We have not seen them in action against a strong opponent so we don't know how effective they are. Further they are too costly to operate so all the best to China to use them against India. It will also be interesting to see how effective they are against our radars.