In a major step towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
This clearance is an important milestone in India's quest to become part of the exclusive club of nations that can design and produce its own state-of-the-art combat aircraft.
The program will be led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which is under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), as has been confirmed by the Defence Ministry in an official statement.
The Ministry explained, "In a major boost to furthering India's indigenous defence capabilities and creating a strong domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has given ex-post facto approval to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will implement the programme through Industry partnership.
The ADA, originally created to manage India’s Light Combat Aircraft development, will take the lead on this project in collaboration with private industry partners. An Expression of Interest (EoI) for the AMCA Development Phase is expected to be announced soon.
As per the Ministry of Defence, "Private and public sector organizations would do bidding for the project, either singly or as a joint venture or as consortia. The bidder/organization should be an Indian company, in compliance with the country's laws and regulations."
The AMCA is generally considered India's answer to fifth-generation air combat capabilities and is bound to dramatically improve self-reliance in defence. It will become a symbol of the country's evolving defence technology.
This fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter will boast cutting-edge technology and have the ability to operate in all weather conditions.
With its low radar signature and supercruise capability, the AMCA will replace India's current frontline fighter, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
It is reported that the mass production of the aircraft could take place around 2035.
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