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.

 

[Enforcer]

Well, investing in AMCA is definitely the goal, but 50-60 F-35s should be ordered as a stopgap and technology demonstrator. Once we operate F-35s, the Air Force will definitely change their requirements. MRCA should be canceled.

We will get the proper idea, experience, and guidance to design AMCA better after getting hands-on experience with F-35.

 

[Bks98]

Fifth-generation fighter jets are more of hype. Recently, the F-35 was reportedly withdrawn in fear of Houthi missiles where the F-35 was about to get shot down. Modern radars are so advanced that they can track any fighter jet. So, focus on better air-to-air missiles and better signal jammers are the need of the hour.

 

[lee]

An excellent decision. Best wishes.

 

[JB]

According to this article AMCA will finally take to the skies in 2035 and possess the capabilities of existing fifth generation jets from USA and China. Is this a pragmatic proposition? Furthermore where is the ecosystem in India for rare earth mineral technologies which take at least a decade to establish and are critical for the mass production of true 5.5 and 6.0 generation aircraft?

 

[Arvind Sharma]

We will realise the actual capacity of the 5th Gen platform during next encounter with PAF. Till such time, J35 will remain a superior as well as inferior weapon systems based on individual's perception.
Till Balakot, even the experts from the IAF had never realised that they will be outgunned.

 

[Madan]

Best option would be to buy some SU 57 as a stop gap measure and give a boost to our AMCA programme. Pakistan which is getting its J 35 this year itself, must not be allowed to gain any upper hand. No faith left in HAL which couldn't deliver one aircraft after getting F404 engine in Mar 25.
AMCA project must be given to some private players and HAL must not be involved in it. Centre Government must stop all freebees to undeserving people and divert that money to AMCA project which may take at the best another 15 years. Till that time IAF needs SU 57 with Indian specific modifications to remain competitive. Thats my take.

 

[Imaxxx]

Well, investing in AMCA is definitely the goal, but 50-60 F-35s should be ordered as a stopgap and technology demonstrator. Once we operate F-35s, the Air Force will definitely change their requirements. MRCA should be canceled.

We will get the proper idea, experience, and guidance to design AMCA better after getting hands-on experience with F-35.

We will be at the mercy of the US on the operations of F35. They have the F35 kill switch

 

[Imaxxx]

In order to speed up AMCA development, we need to remove its bottleneck. And that is Rajnath Singh.

 

[SANDIPKUMAR PATEL]

I feel Modi government not yet learnt the lesson from what has happend..he is expecting a tight slap from China.. u devlope AMCA but now buy SU 57 on urgent basis..after decade you may not be succeed or even if u are succeed in making 5.5 generation u will not able to produce more then 100-150 jets in next 5 yrs..(by 2040) by that time China will deploy 7th generation jets in 2000 to 3000 units .how u would counter with 5.5 generation 150 in nos. With 3000 6th 7th generation jets of China. Thoda तो Akkal लगाओ

 

[Madan]

Well, investing in AMCA is definitely the goal, but 50-60 F-35s should be ordered as a stopgap and technology demonstrator. Once we operate F-35s, the Air Force will definitely change their requirements. MRCA should be canceled.

We will get the proper idea, experience, and guidance to design AMCA better after getting hands-on experience with F-35.

Americans will keep dangling F 35 and push F 21 along with it to keep India away from SU 57. They won't practically hand over F 35 except dangling it to keep India in check. Never believe Americans. It is better to bet on Russia rather than on America.

 

[shah_fibre]

Even if you get a sixth generation aircraft, it still won't be of any use because it's more about the person who flies the aircraft than the aircraft itself. If you know what I mean!

 

[nivas9531]

How our stealth fighter jet 100% indigenous depending same like tejas as only GE we have suffering with the delays of F-404 engines supply and relying same company for engines.
Nobody having some sence can repeat the same mistake again and again.
One side our enemies procuring advanced tech things, but we left all these things to God and start sloganeering atma nirbhar ?
It is laughable by any near by country to see our preparedness, and our foolishness
First of all get some stealth fighter study the tech patterns try to reengineer it will be given immediate and long term results. But foolishly trying by trail and error method can take centuries because of our past experience
Politicians are not keen to invest in nation safety and strengthen diffence forces
They are busy with their gainable kick backs
From foreign companies. Otherwise passing time by the slogans like atmanirbhar and fool the people by the help of andhbhakts

 

[Foxbat]

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.

There is no other near term firm solution to resolve the AMCA and future 6th gen fighters unless we collaborate with foreign partners for knowledge and experience. India needs to collaborate with foreign partners to produce 120kN advanced technology engines for AMCA. Meanwhile we need to have a powerful engine to cater for Tejas Mk2. We need to speed up the process of finding a suitable foreign partner to collaborate on Tejas Mk2. Decision has to be made soon after through study of foreign partners proposals and sign the deal and get down to work soon without dragging on for ages. On the 120kN AMCA Engine Japanese engine manufacturers have announced that they are Willing to become partners in new engines for AMCA. I think India should study the proposals take this great offer. Japanese engineering expertise especially in aircraft engines are highly regarded as one of the best. Newer powerful engines should progress in tandem with Tejas Mk2 and AMCA. But things are happening the other way round, we produce the aircrafts first then searching for engines later. This is one of the reasons why our fighter aircraft programmes never seems to meet the timelines but plagued with delays due to revised timelines too often.