India launches homegrown fifth-generation fighter programme despite ongoing advanced fighter engine gap
India’s HAL has been trying to iron out details of technology transfers and fighter engine manufacturing with both France and the UK, but a concrete agreement has yet to be reached. (Photo: @ShivAroor on Twitter/X)
New Delhi’s plans for the debut of its first AMCA fighter prototype within four and a half years have been marred by the nation’s ongoing struggle to bridge the technological gap in developing advanced fighter jet engines.
India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has finally approved its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter programme. With the commencement of the effort, New Delhi has begun its journey towards self-reliance in defence technology but will continue to face significant challenges in developing powerful advanced fighter engines.
The INR150 billion (US$1.8 billion) project will see the full-scale design and development, flight testing and certification of the aircraft by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Five prototype jets will be produced, with the first one expected to roll out within four to four
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