The Cabinet Committee on Security approved a proposal for a fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force and the acquisition of 34 Dhruv light helicopters.
The AMCA project aims to create a medium-weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth capabilities to enhance air power.
The initial development cost is estimated to be around Rs 15,000 crore.
The Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will jointly construct five prototypes of the AMCA, with support from private industries.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is promoting the Advanced Marine Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, a significant boost in India’s confidence following the successful development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
The IAF plans to integrate seven squadrons, totaling 126 jets, of the advanced and costly AMCA aircraft into its fleet.
The first two squadrons will use GE-F414 engines with a thrust class of 98 Kilonewtons, while the next five squadrons will use engines with a higher thrust of 110 Kilonewtons.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is modernizing its aircraft, including the Tejas, a HAL-manufactured platform for air combat and support missions, and 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA).
The IAF issued a Request for Information in April 2019, marking one of the largest military procurement programs globally, estimated at around USD 18 billion.
