What is AMCA?

1. AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) is India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet under development by DRDO and HAL.
2. Designed for air superiority, deep strike, and multirole operations with stealth features, internal weapons bay, and advanced avionics.
3. Ministry of Defence has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to the private sector for manufacturing prototypes.
4. The aim is to accelerate development, bring in private sector efficiency, and reduce dependence on foreign platforms.

The prototype phase will include

1. 5 full-scale flying prototypes
2. Test aircraft for static and fatigue testing
3. Use of composite materials, AI-enabled flight systems, and supercruise capabilities

Strategic Importance

1. AMCA will fill the gap between Rafale and future sixth-generation jets.
2. Counter to Chinese J-20 and US F-35 in the long term.
3. Crucial for India’s aerospace autonomy and future air dominance strategy.
4. Signals a Make in India push in defense aerospace and a semi-public-private production model.

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