Rajnath Singh Clears Execution Model for India’s Fifth-Generation AMCA Fighter Jet; Major Boost for Aatmanirbharta

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New Delhi: In a major stride towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence technology, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme — a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project set to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s future capabilities.

Designed as a fifth-generation deep-penetration combat aircraft, the AMCA will feature stealth technology, supercruise capability, advanced avionics, and sophisticated electronic warfare systems. The aircraft is aimed at countering evolving regional threats and modernising the IAF’s combat fleet.

As per the Ministry of Defence, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the project in collaboration with Indian industry partners.

“The Execution Model approach provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis. They can bid either independently or as joint venture or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country,” said the ministry in a press release.

Highlighting the significance of the decision, the ministry added, “This is an important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise, capability and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype, which will be a major milestone towards Aatmanirbharta in the aerospace sector.”

The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had already given in-principle approval to the fifth-generation fighter jet programme last year. The estimated initial development cost is around ₹15,000 crore.

The IAF has been a strong proponent of the AMCA initiative, pushing for an indigenous fifth-generation fighter to ensure long-term operational superiority.

The timing of the announcement is strategic, as reports indicate that Pakistan could acquire China’s fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter by late 2025 or early 2026. The indigenous AMCA programme is seen as India’s answer to regional advancements in aerial warfare technology.

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