IAF Weighs Ordering 20 More AMCA Mk1 Fighters to Prevent 18 to 24 Months Production Halt During Transition to Mk2

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering the acquisition of an additional 20 Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk1 jets to ensure the manufacturing ecosystem remains active during the shift to the more advanced Mk2 variant.

This strategic move aims to prevent a potential production stoppage of 18 to 24 months, which could otherwise disrupt supply chains and the skilled workforce at the production facility.

The AMCA is India’s ambitious fifth-generation aircraft program, designed to be the future backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet.

The initial plan involves the production of 40 AMCA Mk1 aircraft, which will be powered by the American General Electric F414 engine. Following this, production is slated to transition to the significantly upgraded AMCA Mk2.

To avoid a prolonged idle period at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Nashik plant between these two phases, the procurement of 20 more Mk1 jets is being evaluated as a crucial stopgap measure.

Development and production of this next-generation fighter will be managed through a new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model. This framework, being established by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is designed to bring together the expertise of public-sector giant HAL and various private Indian companies.

This collaborative approach aims to enhance efficiency, integrate modern manufacturing technologies, and ensure timely delivery to meet the nation's critical defence needs.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Defence approved this execution model, paving the way for private firms to bid for major roles in the aircraft's development and production.

The primary difference between the two variants lies in their technological capabilities. The AMCA Mk1, while a potent stealth fighter, serves as a stepping stone to the more formidable Mk2.

The Mk2 is planned to feature a more powerful, indigenously developed engine, which is expected to be co-developed with an international partner. It will also incorporate superior stealth characteristics, advanced sensors, and artificial intelligence-driven systems.

Due to significant structural and design differences, officials have stated that upgrading the Mk1 jets to Mk2 standards later would not be a viable option.

Maintaining a continuous production line at the HAL Nashik facility, which has extensive experience from manufacturing the Su-30MKI, is of strategic importance.

A lengthy halt in production could lead to the loss of specialized skills, disrupt the complex aerospace supply chain, and delay the overall timeline of the AMCA program.

The IAF's consideration of the extra order highlights the delicate balance between maintaining industrial momentum and advancing technologically.

The successful and timely induction of the AMCA is vital for modernizing the IAF's fleet and strengthening India's air combat capabilities amidst the evolving security landscape in the region.

The final decision on the additional jets will be based on a thorough assessment of how to best sustain the production ecosystem while paving the way for the superior Mk2 platform.

 

As Russian Ka-226T Deal Falters, India May Consider Italian AW109 Helicopter to Replace Aging Cheetah and Chetak Fleet

Anti-Terror Agency NIA Raids In Punjab, Haryana, UP To Probe Khalistani Terror Network

[R. Singh]

We must make 105+ AMCA-MK-I as replacement of Mig-29s !

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

There is no clarity on Tejas Mk1, Mk2 still. As per reports and the super supply of GE engines and our reliance only on GE aerospace even after falling on our face the completion of order will be done by 2033 maybe. The dreams are high with no calculations world is moving at pace of leopard and we are crawling like snail. The so called AMCA may become part of IAF somewhere in 2040, China would be flying may be 8th gen by then and already having 1000's of 5th and 6th gen fighters. We just do not have clarity still and most probably by 2030 to 2040 there will be hardly 15 to 20 squadrons left with IAF. Do not know what the hell it is taking long for GOI, MoD and IAF to come out of discussions. Only table discussions on paper no physical actions not seen at all on ground reality. When France is not going to give the source code at all there is no clarity on GaN radar incorporation why we have made useless and so costly deal of Rafale M with them that too the aircrafts will come in 2028 - 29. We could have easily developed Tejas M till then maybe. I have been warning of the look west policy as a waste policy they will never support you to come up, but we are still persisting with the same policy. This is because of our attractive white mindset which is infused in out blood.

 

[sanket]

OK, but an additional 20 AMCA Mk1s can be upgraded with a 120 kN thrust engine; some features may not be incorporated with structural changes and refinement in airframe design. The weapon package may not have any impact.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

We must make 105+ AMCA-MK-I as replacement of Mig-29s !

This is a very sweet dream and very very long painful waiting reality may be in 2040. Unless you become self reliant on jet engines this is dream. Too much reliance on GE by HAL may be personal benefit in this deal will cost very heavily. The dominance of US Mr. Trump globally and on GOI will be a fatal for our defense. Russia and China are self reliant, somehow now we do not want help from Russia which if taken can be win-win situation at this moment if we rely again. China cannot be a partner in defense anytime. So there is only wait wait wait and watch the glorified dreams of HAL, DRDO and be happy that at least we are speaking some technical now.

 

[Sandeep]

While we can certainly order more AMCA MK1 however this shouldn’t be seen as an excuse to delay developing or producing the AMCA MK2. They should also fix a mandatory requirement for the jet to have an indigenous content rate of at least 90% and above.

To increase more private sector participation they should issue a license to several companies to manufacture the entire jet and not just parts and components but they should keep the IPR protected with the government. This is a model that can benefit both government and private companies while increasing the number of jets they can produce in a short period of time. This will give private companies a lot of knowledge, skills, talent and education on how jets are designed, developed and manufactured so eventually they might even start to develop their own type of jets.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Instead of old 60s, 70s hangers converted into production lines with 8-12 aircraft manufacturing capacity, the SPV must seek collaboration from the American F-35 5th generation production line. This would involve a huge hanger built with a minimum 60-75 aircraft manufacturing capacity. The initial production may be kept low, but with exports and IAF expansion to over 60 squadrons by 2045, numbers can then be built up rapidly without affecting exports and the increase of 5th Gen squadrons, of which over 25 to 30 are a must.