SYLLABUS

GS-3: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Context: Recently, the Defence Minister of India and the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a major Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) defence infrastructure project at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme.

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• The project has been launched as part of India’s broader push towards defence indigenisation, self-reliance, and advanced aerospace manufacturing under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives.
• The project is expected to transform Puttaparthi into a major aerospace and defence manufacturing hub due to its proximity to Bengaluru’s established aerospace ecosystem.
• Alongside the AMCA project, the foundation stone was also laid for a Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility at Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the State’s growing role in India’s defence industrial ecosystem.

Key Features of the Project

• The AMCA defence infrastructure project has an estimated total outlay of around ₹15,000 crore and is being developed in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.
• A key component of the project is the Core Integration and Flight Testing Centre of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), being established at Puttaparthi at an estimated cost of around ₹2,000 crore.
• The project is expected to generate nearly 7,500 direct jobs along with substantial indirect employment opportunities in aerospace manufacturing, avionics, testing, logistics, and ancillary industries.
• The facility will support integration, testing, and future development of India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft equipped with advanced avionics, stealth technology, internal weapon bays, and electronic warfare systems.

About Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

• The AMCA is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft programme being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO for the Indian Air Force.
  The programme builds upon technological experience gained from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme.
• Fifth-generation fighter aircraft generally integrate advanced stealth, supercruise capability, sensor fusion, network-centric warfare systems, integrated avionics, and multi-role combat capabilities into a single platform.
• The AMCA is envisaged as a 25-tonne twin-engine stealth aircraft with advanced features such as reduced radar detectability, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and a concealed internal fuel capacity of around 6.5 tonnes.
• The AMCA Mk1 variant is proposed to be powered by the US-origin GE F414 engine (around 98 kN thrust class), while the more advanced AMCA Mk2 variant is planned to use a 110–120 kN class engine being pursued through collaboration between India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and French aerospace company Safran.
• Recent Developments:
  India and the US have finalised agreements for the co-production of GE F414 fighter jet engines in India with significant technology transfer reportedly covering nearly 80% of the manufacturing ecosystem.

Significance of AMCA

• Strengthening India’s Strategic Air Power: AMCA is critical for strengthening India’s long-term air combat capability amid evolving regional security challenges, particularly the induction of fifth-generation fighter aircraft such as China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s expected acquisition of advanced stealth fighters.
• Advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: The programme represents a major step towards reducing dependence on imported fighter aircraft and strengthening indigenous capabilities in advanced aerospace design, avionics, stealth systems, and defence manufacturing.
• Development of Indigenous Aerospace Ecosystem: The AMCA programme is expected to promote domestic R&D, advanced materials manufacturing, avionics development, testing infrastructure, and high-end aerospace supply chains in India.
• Addressing IAF Squadron Shortfall: The induction of AMCA is expected to support the Indian Air Force in moving closer to its sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons and strengthening long-term operational readiness.
• Boost to Public–Private Collaboration: The project marks a significant expansion of private sector participation in India’s defence aerospace sector through collaborative execution models involving public and private industries.

SOURCES
PIB
Economic Time
The Hindu