India Champions Indigenous AMCA for Future Stealth Warfare, Rejecting Foreign Su-57 and F-35 for Strategic Autonomy

In a major move to bolster its military self-reliance, India's Ministry of Defence has formally sanctioned the development framework for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The announcement, made on May 27, 2025, solidifies the nation's commitment to producing its own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, a critical project under the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.

This decision signals India's strategic choice to develop its own advanced combat aircraft rather than purchasing foreign models like Russia's Su-57 or the United States' F-35. The move is seen as essential for achieving long-term strategic autonomy in defence technology and production.

The AMCA program is spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a part of DRDO. The project aims to deliver a state-of-the-art fighter to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is currently managing a fleet of approximately 31 squadrons against a government-authorised strength of 42, making fleet modernisation a top priority amid regional security challenges.

According to former IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, the focus on an indigenous platform is a matter of strategic necessity. He explained that relying on foreign aircraft often involves limitations on technology transfer, strict export controls, and geopolitical dependencies.

"The AMCA, on the other hand, is a clean slate, built from the ground up to meet India’s specific operational needs," Bhadauria stated, emphasizing that the project is about creating a domestic ecosystem for aerospace innovation.

This strategy was reinforced by India's 2018 withdrawal from a joint program with Russia to develop a fighter based on the Su-57, citing concerns over the aircraft's stealth capabilities and engine development.

Similarly, while the American F-35 is a proven platform, its high operational costs and restrictive technology-sharing policies made it an unsuitable option for India's long-term goals.

Advanced Capabilities and Development Timeline​

The AMCA is being designed as a 5.5-generation, twin-engine, multi-role fighter weighing 27 tonnes. Its advanced features are intended to place it among the world's most capable combat aircraft.

Key technologies include a stealth design with an internal weapons bay to minimize its radar signature, the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners (supercruise), and next-generation avionics. These systems will incorporate artificial intelligence and network-centric warfare capabilities, allowing for superior coordination in combat.

DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat has outlined an ambitious timeline for the project. The plan includes the rollout of five prototypes by 2027, with the first flight scheduled for 2028. Following extensive trials, the aircraft is expected to receive certification by 2032 and begin induction into the IAF by 2035.

The initial version, AMCA Mk1, will be powered by the American GE-F414 engine, which will be co-produced in India by General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

A more powerful Mk2 variant is planned for the future, which will feature a new, higher-thrust 110-kilonewton engine co-developed with an international partner.

Bridging to Next-Generation Warfare​

The AMCA is designed to be future-proof, incorporating features often associated with sixth-generation fighters. These include provisions for being optionally manned, the ability to command unmanned "loyal wingman" drones, and potential compatibility with future hypersonic weapons.

This forward-looking design ensures the AMCA will not only match current fifth-generation jets like the F-35 and China's J-20 but also serve as a bridge to the next era of aerial warfare.

However, despite the official approval and clear strategic vision, the program faces considerable challenges. Developing a stealth fighter is a technologically complex, expensive, and time-consuming process.

India is still building its expertise in critical areas such as stealth materials and advanced jet engine manufacturing.

The project has already experienced timeline adjustments, with the first flight initially hoped for by 2025 now scheduled for 2028, highlighting the difficult road ahead.

 

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[Mc Addy]

Yes, that's the way forward.Non of them , F35 or S57 have flown in contested air spaces like Ukraine to prove their worth. If USA wanted to end Ukraine war, F35 was the tool to needle Russia , if it was really that stealth and all would be alright .

 

[Hawkeye]

Absolutely, but how and when will they do it? I am pretty sure some foreign party is part of this project, otherwise we can see J-35 from the border at the end of this year.

 

[sanket]

Nice, that's good. It will be 100% ownership and technology of a stealth fighter jet, unlike the F-35 and Su-57, which come with foreign dependency. The IAF is not even ready to consider the F-35 and Su-57, and some jokers and comedians are advising the KF-21, which is a 4.5-gen fighter jet, while the Tempest offer is dead now. That's the story. Hope comedians will find a new platform for entertaining the people. After AMCA 120 kN engine development, indigenous content may cross over 90%. Some components will be imported, just like the ejection seat, which may be designed and manufactured indigenously in the future, and remaining components too will be indigenised to make AMCA a 100% indigenous fighter jet by the time.

 

[Varshan Keda]

So, we have to manage the next decade of having two adversaries who have fifth-generation fighters with advanced radars to counter them. Hopefully, we will fly the AMCA around 2035.

 

[king dorm]

Which means at least for the next 15 years, our air force will rely on 4.5 gen and older planes, while our biggest headache Pakistan will start getting 5th gen J-35 from China and KAAN fighter jets from Turkey from next year.

 

[Abs29]

Well, that confirms it that PAF will have a gaint lead over IAF, over the next decade.

 

[Varshan Keda]

We backed our own project in AMCA, not going for stop-gap measures like F-35, Su-57. This means, I think, the government made up their mind and will join GCAP. That's the best-case scenario in my opinion: gaining knowledge of next-gen aircraft as well as developing our own.

It will speed up our AMCA development too, in my opinion. We'll see.