IAF Promises Big Domestic Orders, Export Potential to Attract Private Sector Suppliers for AMCA Program

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.

 

[R. Singh]

We should make 145+ AMCA-I for IAF and 69+ AMCA-N powered by STOVL capable Rolls Royce engine ! Scrap TEDBF program as time is now to induct 5th gen jets for our carriers !

 

[lex luther]

also need levcon and 3d thrust vector engine to high agility in himalan range

 

[sanket]

Great news for AMCA, with 200 expected to be inducted. It also strengthens the squadron numbers further by almost 2. Now private players need to show interest in the integration of the AMCA assembly line, too, apart from the vendor role. Private players should take the responsibility of building the fighter jet. I think in the long term, the number may reach 250, just like Tejas MK1A was started with 40 odd then gradually increased to end up at 220.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

By 2028 LCA mk2 will have its first flight. AMCA will take more time.

 

[tipoo2]

So make that larger order the plan from the outset, so that production lines and the supply chain of thousands of parts can be set up accordingly...Can we not repeat the mistake of the tiny chickenscratch Tejas orders again, there are zero economies of scale with the first 40 we have.

 

[Anant]

Minor correction: The 110 kN engine isn't under development yet other than some very preliminary planning.

Oh, and with that said, this is positive sign. However, the IAF should consider announcing an increased procurement plan from now only, if possible.

 

[AA AAP]

The AMCA will have great export success similarly to the Tejas. Congrat to HAL.

 

[Akhil]

IAF should go for a larger Super Sukhoi order now if they are serious about Indians jets and squad strength. There is no need for MRFA. Go for more sukhoi. Then Tejas1A and Tejas2 will start flowing followed by AMCA and Tedbf.

They are making a fool of government and Indians by trying to designate Tejas2 as LCA and not MWF because they want Rafale which btw has a huge backlog and will take even more time if they start building a new assembly line here.

P@kistan will have Gen5 jets from china when we get our Rafales. We will be quite shorthanded against an economy that's almost bankrupt ffs. Would prefer 36 su-57 or su-75 but then the issue might be with Trump administration.

 

[desigandu]

Minor correction: The 110 kN engine isn't under development yet other than some very preliminary planning.

Oh, and with that said, this is positive sign. However, the IAF should consider announcing an increased procurement plan from now only, if possible.

Hopefully say 500 AMCA jets (with some exports) in say 15-20 years, starting 2035, with significant technology enhancements every 5 odd years - can something like that be planned for and executed?
Even if the full package going forward is $200-250M per jet, it will be $100-150B program @$7.5-10B/ year!

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

IAF should go for a larger Super Sukhoi order now if they are serious about Indians jets and squad strength. There is no need for MRFA. Go for more sukhoi. Then Tejas1A and Tejas2 will start flowing followed by AMCA and Tedbf.

Agree on Super Sukhoi orders. It can be executed timely and will become very potent fighter after upgrades.

I think the govt won't execute MRFA at all. At most they may buy 54-60 Rafaels directly. Govt too is relying on MK2 and AMCA i guess.

 

[Sandeep]

There is always going to be a larger requirement of over 200 AMCA jets because these will eventually replace the Sukhoi jets that we currently have. Also we will need to increase the number of squadrons we have to protect our islands as well so there is a huge demand. It’s possible they might order more jets in different batches based on technology upgrades and changes which we will need to happen.

 

[Akshat]

IAF should go for a larger Super Sukhoi order now if they are serious about Indians jets and squad strength. There is no need for MRFA. Go for more sukhoi. Then Tejas1A and Tejas2 will start flowing followed by AMCA and Tedbf.

They are making a fool of government and Indians by trying to designate Tejas2 as LCA and not MWF because they want Rafale which btw has a huge backlog and will take even more time if they start building a new assembly line here.

P@kistan will have Gen5 jets from china when we get our Rafales. We will be quite shorthanded against an economy that's almost bankrupt ffs. Would prefer 36 su-57 or su-75 but then the issue might be with Trump administration.

IAF doesn’t want any more Sukhoi. They are way too expensive and inferior to the western jets which IAF now likes to operate.

As for Su57 and Su75, even Russia don’t want them anymore. So no thanks. We trust our IAF to make the right choice.

As for mk2, if it is indeed not an LCA, then we should shut the program right away as the program was started for an LCA. If it doesn’t meet that requirement, then shut it down and don’t waste money.

 

[Dredd]

Minor correction: The 110 kN engine isn't under development yet other than some very preliminary planning.

Oh, and with that said, this is positive sign. However, the IAF should consider announcing an increased procurement plan from now only, if possible.

40 AMCA mk1 is a minuscule number, it should be ideally between 80-100. 110KN engine is almost a decade away, you can't woo a private line with only 40 numbers and expect lower price.
Even Tejas Mk1 should have been numbered around 80

 

[PKPRS]

So make that larger order the plan from the outset, so that production lines and the supply chain of thousands of parts can be set up accordingly...Can we not repeat the mistake of the tiny chickenscratch Tejas orders again, there are zero economies of scale with the first 40 we have.

They won’t place a large order until they get used to the product and know it better as is the norm with other Airforces around the World, IAF will place a larger order for MK2.