India's fifth-generation stealth fighter programme designed to provide the IAF with air superiority and strike capability against advanced integrated air defence systems. The AMCA features a twin-engine configuration (2x GE F414 initially, potentially indigenous Kaveri engine in later variants), stealthy airframe with serpentine engine intakes, internal weapons bays for 4 BVR missiles and 2 WVR missiles (additional external hardpoints for non-stealth missions), active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced sensor fusion including Distributed Aperture System (DAS), supercruise capability, and network-centric warfare integration. Maximum takeoff weight of approximately 25 tonnes with combat radius exceeding 1,000 km. Development is proceeding in two phases: AMCA Mk1 with GE F414 engines and AMCA Mk2 with more powerful engines (potentially 110 kN-class) for improved performance. First flight targeted for 2027-2028 with initial operational capability in the mid-2030s. Indian Air Force plans 120+ AMCA fighters to complement the foreign-sourced FGFA or Rafael.
- First indigenous stealth fighter program — major strategic capability leap for India
- Internal weapons bays maintain low-observable profile during operations
- Twin-engine design provides reliability for overwater and high-threat operations
- Full sensor fusion architecture planned from inception
- Extremely ambitious program for India current aerospace maturity level
- Indigenous Kaveri derivative engine not ready — interim foreign engine required
- First flight not expected before 2028–29; IOC likely 2035+
- Cost and timeline overruns historically high for programs of this complexity
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