The Indian Air Force (IAF) is aiming to procure over 200 Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in the long term, offering a significant incentive to private sector companies to join the ambitious indigenous stealth fighter program.
This commitment was highlighted during a recent supplier meeting organized by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), where IAF officials emphasized both domestic requirements and potential export opportunities.
The ADA recently issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to private sector aerospace component suppliers, seeking their participation in the AMCA's supply chain. This initiative underscores the program's focus on building a robust domestic industrial ecosystem for the production of critical components, including airframe and structural elements.
To incentivize private sector involvement, the IAF has committed to an initial order of 40 AMCA MkI jets, followed by a larger order of 120 AMCA MkII jets as the program progresses. This long-term commitment aims to provide a stable order flow and ensure substantial returns for companies investing in the AMCA project.
The AMCA program incorporates a phased engine upgrade strategy. The MkI variant will be powered by the GE F414 engine, while the more advanced MkII will utilize a powerful 110kN-class engine currently under development in collaboration with international engine manufacturers. This approach allows the MkI to serve as a bridge to the fully indigenous MkII, which is expected to feature enhanced capabilities and advanced avionics.
Further boosting the program's attractiveness, IAF officials highlighted the potential for exporting the AMCA to friendly nations once it reaches full-rate production. This export potential could significantly expand production volumes beyond domestic requirements, offering further incentives for private sector investment.
The ADA has set an ambitious timeline for the AMCA program, with a prototype rollout targeted for the end of 2028 and initial production within five years. If this timeline is achieved, full-scale production of the AMCA MkI could commence by the early 2030s, followed by the upgraded MkII. This ambitious schedule aligns with the IAF's modernization strategy and its need to replace aging aircraft with advanced, stealth-capable platforms.
