SOURCE: AFI
In a bid to expedite the induction of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s indigenous 5.5-generation stealth fighter, a high-level committee led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is working against the clock to finalize a viable production model. The committee, tasked with addressing the financial and logistical challenges of this ambitious program, is expected to submit its report by the end of April 2025, paving the way for accelerated development and deployment of the AMCA into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The AMCA program, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents a cornerstone of India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Designed to deliver advanced stealth, supercruise capability, and cutting-edge avionics, the AMCA is poised to enhance the IAF’s combat edge in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment. However, the high costs associated with developing and producing a 5.5-generation fighter have necessitated innovative approaches to ensure the program’s financial viability and timely execution.
To address these challenges, the government has constituted a high-powered committee comprising top defense and aerospace experts. Chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the panel includes IAF Vice-Chief Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar, and senior representatives from ADA and DRDO. This diverse team brings together operational, technical, and industrial expertise to devise a production model that balances cost, scale, and speed.
Crafting a Sustainable Production Model
The committee’s primary objective is to recommend a production framework that accelerates the AMCA’s induction while ensuring long-term sustainability. Sources indicate that the panel is exploring several strategies, including:
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) via Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): A key focus is the adoption of an SPV model, which would see private sector companies collaborate with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the lead integrator, to manufacture the AMCA. This approach aims to leverage private industry’s innovation, efficiency, and investment to reduce costs and enhance production capacity.
- Economies of Scale: To make the program financially viable, the committee is considering increasing the production order beyond the initially planned 100 units (approximately five squadrons). A larger production run would lower per-unit costs, making the AMCA more affordable for the IAF and potentially attractive for export markets.
- Streamlined Supply Chain: The panel is examining ways to build a robust domestic supply chain to minimize reliance on foreign components, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This includes fostering partnerships with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to support local manufacturing.
- International Collaboration: While the AMCA is an indigenous program, the committee is open to selective partnerships with global technology providers to accelerate development and access cutting-edge systems, such as advanced engines and sensors, without compromising self-reliance.
The committee’s April 2025 deadline underscores the urgency of the AMCA program. With peer nations like China and Russia advancing their own fifth- and sixth-generation fighter programs, the IAF is keen to induct the AMCA at the earliest to maintain strategic parity. The aircraft’s induction is expected to begin in the mid-2030s, with production scaling up thereafter. A well-defined production model is critical to meeting these timelines, as delays could impact the IAF’s modernization plans.
The inclusion of Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar ensures that the IAF’s operational requirements are prioritized, while Sanjeev Kumar’s expertise in defense production will guide industrial feasibility. ADA and DRDO representatives bring technical insights, ensuring that the production model aligns with the AMCA’s cutting-edge design and technological aspirations.
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