New Delhi, May 27, 2025: In a landmark move aimed at bolstering India’s defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
The approval marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of joining a select group of nations capable of designing and manufacturing next-generation combat aircraft indigenously. The project will be spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a key arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in close collaboration with private industry partners.
“In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The ADA, which previously led the development of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), will serve as the nodal agency for the AMCA project. An Expression of Interest (EoI) for the development phase will be floated soon, inviting participation from both public and private sector players.
According to the Ministry, eligible Indian companies can bid independently or form joint ventures and consortia. All participants must comply with existing Indian laws and regulations.
The AMCA project is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force while fostering innovation and technological advancement within India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
