India has made a big jump and cleared the way for the development of its first indigenous fifth generation stealth fighter jet. With this step, India will be included in the very special list of countries like America, China and Russia, which have fifth generation fighter aircraft. By May 2025, this list is limited to only three countries-America (F-22, F-35), China (J-20) and Russia (SU-57). Now India is on the way to become the fourth country.
Defense Minister gave green signal
On Tuesday (August 12, 2025), Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved the ‘Excoction Model’ of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. It will develop it for the Air Force and Navy in association with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) global industry colleagues in Bengaluru. The initial expenditure on this project will be more than Rs 15,000 crore and the aircraft is expected to be delivered by 2035.
How will India’s first fifth generation fighter jet be
AMCA will be a single-seat, twin-engine fighter aircraft, which will be advanced stealth coatings and internal weapon bay, such as American and Russian aircraft (F-22, F-35 and SU-57). The aircraft will be able to fly to a height of 55,000 feet and carry 1,500 kg of weapons in the interior bay. The exterior will also have a capacity to carry 5,500 kg and 6,500 kg of additional fuel. According to reports, there will be two versions of this aircraft. The first American GE F414 will run with the engine, while the second version will have India’s own developed engine, which can be more powerful than this.
Supermanuvarble and Multirol Jet
AMCA is being designed in both supermanuvarble and multirol categories. Supermanuverable means that it will be able to change the sharp and complex direction by going beyond traditional techniques (such as Ailerons, Rudders etc.). Stealth means it will be very difficult to track it with radar and other detection systems. At the same time, Multirol means that this aircraft will be able to complete many missions like air domination, ground strike and destroying enemy air defense.
The specialty of the fifth generation fighter aircraft
There is no fixed definition of fifth generation fighter aircraft, but their basis is high-tech technology of the 21st century. They contain advanced battalfield software, which gives the pilot to the enemy’s activities and the real-time information of the battlefield. These aircraft also contain low-proclamation-off-intercept radar and networking systems, so that it can show better C3 (control, command and communication) capacity by staying connected with ‘friendly’ units.
India’s AMCA and the rest of the world aircraft
Currently, the US has F-22 and F-35, Russia has SU-57 and China has J-20. Of these, F-22 ‘Raptor’ was once called the deadliest fighter. Although the Obama administration thought of shutting down in 2008, it was again activated after seeing the military preparations of Russia and China. America’s F-35 is the most modern and most expensive fighter aircraft to date, which is estimated to be more than $ 1.7 trillion. It has also been offered to India. Similarly, Russia’s SU-57 is also proposed to India.
Sixth generation race of China
Reports say that China is working fast on the sixth generation fighter aircraft. In April 2025, NDTV reported that China is conducting two possible prototype tests-J-36 (three-engine tailless design) and J -50 (twin engine jet with V-shape wings). It is in response to American Boeing’s F-47 (next generation Air Superiority Fighter).
India’s military modernization campaign
The AMCA project is part of India’s strategy in which the army is being equipped with modern weapons and technology. Recently, India has bought 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft by deal with a deal of Rs 63,000 crore, which will meet by 2031 and replace the old Navy’s old MIG-29K. The Air Force already has 36 rafale-C. Apart from this, in the last decade, India has created indigenous aircraft career, warships and submarines and has also successfully tested hypersonic missiles. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has promised to invest $ 100 billion in domestic defense production by 2033 to promote “Make in India” and also increase defense exports.