India Takes Flight: ₹15,000 Crore Initiative to Build Indigenous 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet

In a transformative step toward self-reliance in defense technology, India has officially launched a ₹15,000 crore initiative to develop its first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. The ambitious project, led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence, aims to bring the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to life—an aircraft envisioned to match the technological prowess of global stealth fighters like the F-35 and Su-57.

HAL, Tata, Adani Defence and L&T are likely to join the race for the 5th-Gen Fighter Jet Project. (PTI/File) | NEWS18

A Giant Leap Towards Strategic Autonomy

India’s announcement is not just a technical milestone, but a strategic decision rooted in growing geopolitical concerns and the need for defense independence. With only 31 active squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is in urgent need of modern fighters. While India has already invested in Rafale jets and explored options such as the American F-35 and Russian Su-57, it remains committed to charting an independent course with AMCA.

This initiative forms a key pillar of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India" visions, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign platforms and build a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem capable of competing with the world’s best.

The AMCA: India's Stealth Warrior

The AMCA is designed to be a twin-engine, multi-role stealth fighter with advanced capabilities including super-cruise, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, and artificial intelligence-based avionics. It is intended for air dominance missions, deep strikes, suppression of enemy air defenses, and electronic warfare. Its stealth characteristics—achieved through radar-absorbing materials and optimized airframe geometry—will make it a true fifth-generation platform.

The aircraft will be developed in two phases: the Mk-1 variant, powered by American GE F414 engines, and a more advanced Mk-2, expected to feature an indigenous 110 kN thrust engine being co-developed with international partners like Safran (France) or Rolls-Royce (UK).

Opening the Skies for Private Industry

In a marked shift from traditional defense procurement practices, the ADA has invited private Indian firms to participate in this flagship aerospace program. Industry leaders such as Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro, and Adani Defence, along with the public sector giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are eligible to bid for roles in prototype development, testing, and certification.

The goal is to foster innovation, decentralize capability, and distribute responsibilities to avoid the bottlenecks often associated with relying solely on HAL. Private sector inclusion is expected to bring in fresh capital, technological acumen, and faster execution timelines, potentially transforming India’s defense-industrial complex.

Timeline and Milestones Ahead

The ADA has outlined an aggressive development schedule. The prototype phase will see the rollout of five flying test aircraft, with the first flight expected by 2028 or early 2029. Type certification is targeted for 2032, with induction into the Indian Air Force by 2034 and full-scale production beginning in 2035.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) has already been released, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for early July 2025. Interested parties must submit their proposals by August 16, 2025. This timeline marks one of India’s most concentrated efforts to bring a complex, next-generation aircraft from the drawing board to operational deployment in less than a decade.

An Evolving Geopolitical Context

This move comes at a time when global air forces are rapidly modernizing their fleets and investing in next-generation aerial combat platforms. China’s stealth aircraft programs, especially the J-20 and upcoming J-31, have added urgency to India’s defense planning. Moreover, the Russian Su-57 and American F-35 are already reshaping air power doctrines globally. For India, developing its own stealth platform is as much about military capability as it is about maintaining strategic parity in the region.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Indian Aerospace

The launch of the AMCA project under a ₹15,000 crore development budget is a defining moment for India’s aerospace ambitions. It signifies a clear intent to not only secure its skies but also assert its place among the few nations capable of designing, testing, and deploying indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

With a strong push from the government, growing private sector capability, and the experience of public R&D agencies, India’s journey toward its own stealth fighter is now on a steady course. If timelines are met and partnerships are managed efficiently, the AMCA could become the cornerstone of India’s aerial defense for decades to come—symbolizing not just a new aircraft, but a new era in Indian defense manufacturing.

(Sources: News18, NDTV)