AMCA: India’s Own Stealth Fighter Jet Takes a Big Step Forward

that their country is building a world-class fighter jet. The journey is long, but the destination is worth it. Let us wait for the first flight in 2028 and cheer for our scientists, engineers, and workers.

Exam-Focused Points

• AMCA  stands for  Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft .

• It is India’s  indigenous fifth-generation stealth, multirole combat aircraft .

• Designed by  Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)  under  DRDO .

• Full-scale engineering development began in  April 2024 .

• Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)  approved prototype development in  March 2024 .

• CCS sanctioned about  ₹15,000 crore  for the project.

• Three pre-selected industrial groups:  Tata Advanced Systems  (alone),  L&T–BEL consortium ,  Bharat Forge + BEML + Data Patterns  consortium.

• HAL excluded  from shortlist for prototype development in  February 2026 .

• RFP  (Request for Proposal) expected by  June 2026 .

• First prototype roll-out:  late 2026 or early 2027 .

• First flight:  targeted for 2028 .

• Serial production:  by 2035 .

• Induction into IAF:  mid-2030s .

• Co-developing  120 kN-class turbofan engine  with  Safran (France)  for AMCA Mk-2 variant.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is the AMCA?
A: AMCA stands for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. It is India’s own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. It can fight other planes and attack ground targets. The Indian Air Force and Navy will use it.

Q2: Who is designing the AMCA?
A: The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) designs the AMCA. ADA works under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Q3: When will the first AMCA prototype fly?
A: The first flight is targeted for 2028. The prototype will roll out of the factory in late 2026 or early 2027.

Q4: Why was HAL excluded from the AMCA prototype manufacturing?
A: HAL was excluded from the shortlist in February 2026 because the government wants private companies to lead the prototype development. This is a shift in defence manufacturing policy.

Q5: What is special about the AMCA Mk-2 engine?
A: The AMCA Mk-2 will use a 120 kN-class turbofan engine. India is co-developing this engine with Safran of France. It will be very powerful and help the jet fly better.