SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Former DRDO Chief Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, speaking at the Emerging Technologies in Defence event held by the Madras Management Association in Chennai, shared promising insights about India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. Dr. Reddy highlighted that the AMCA’s prototype rollout could happen as early as the end of 2026, despite the program receiving production clearance and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) funding only eight months ago in 2024.
Dr. Reddy attributed this accelerated timeline to the expertise and infrastructure established by the DRDO and HAL over decades of work on the LCA program. These institutions have built a foundation of technological know-how, advanced testing facilities, and a network of supply chains, enabling the AMCA program to progress at an unprecedented pace.
If the rollout occurs as projected, the AMCA’s first flight is anticipated in 2028. The post-rollout phase will involve rigorous ground trials, taxi testing, and validation processes before the aircraft can be cleared for its maiden flight.
The potential rollout of the AMCA prototype in 2026 will be a landmark achievement for India’s defense and aerospace sectors. It reflects the maturation of the country’s design and manufacturing capabilities and its ability to deliver on complex, next-generation projects.
The AMCA is set to be India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, incorporating advanced features such as stealth design, supercruise capability, and artificial intelligence-driven systems. Its development will position India among the select group of nations capable of producing such cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Reddy noted that the AMCA’s expedited progress is a direct outcome of lessons learned from the LCA Tejas program. This signifies not just the evolution of a single aircraft but the creation of a scalable ecosystem for future indigenous aerospace projects.
While the rollout timeline is optimistic, the road to operationalizing the AMCA will be demanding. The aircraft must undergo extensive testing and validation, including its integration with the General Electric F414 engine for the MkI variant. Achieving all milestones without compromising quality and safety will require sustained focus and resources.
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