India’s defence establishment witnessed a landmark moment on Tuesday as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, paving the way for the development of India’s fifth-generation fighter jet. Defence experts have hailed the decision as a “game-changing step” for national security and indigenous capability building.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will spearhead the programme in partnership with both public and private players. The model aims to boost ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in aerospace by fostering competition and collaboration between sectors. Companies can bid independently, form joint ventures, or operate as consortiums under the model.
Defence expert Shiwalee Deshpande welcomed the move, noting that it demonstrates the government’s trust in indigenisation and the Make in India defence initiative.
“This decision reflects the country’s and government’s faith in indigenous technology. With both private and public sectors working together, we can expect timely development and delivery of these aircraft, which is crucial in an era of evolving aerial threats,” she said.
Retired Air Vice Marshal Suryakant Chintaman Chafekar underlined the importance of self-reliance in intelligence and defence technology.
“Relying on foreign aircraft risks exposing sensitive data like radar frequencies and communication systems. The AMCA will help India safeguard its strategic autonomy,” he said.
Chafekar also praised the involvement of private industry, highlighting the lessons learned from past projects like Tejas, where delays impacted operational timelines.
“With private sector participation, the production timeline of the fifth-generation AMCA can be accelerated — a bold and necessary step for our armed forces,” he added.
The stock market responded with enthusiasm. Defence sector stocks surged up to 6%, with major players like Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bharat Dynamics, Bharat Electronics, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders registering significant gains. The Nifty India Defence Index also hit a 52-week high of 8,674.05, reflecting investor confidence in the sector’s growth trajectory.
The ADA is expected to soon release an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the AMCA Development Phase. The prototype will be a crucial milestone toward the realization of India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, enhancing the country’s capability to face modern warfare challenges.
This decision marks not just a policy shift but also a strategic leap forward in India’s aerospace defence landscape, reinforcing the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in cutting-edge military technology.
