India is moving forward with its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. A full-scale engineering model of the proposed fifth generation fighter was showcased at Aero India last week. Just like the Tejas light combat fighter, this airplane will depend on General Electric engines.
Spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency, the AMCA seeks to achieve air supremacy, ground strikes, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, and electronic warfare. The 25-ton, single-seat twin-engine platform incorporates stealth technology to minimize radar detection through both geometric design principles and radar-absorbing materials.
Performance specifications include a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, range of over 2.000 miles, combat radius of 0.6 miles, and service ceiling of over 12,000 miles. The aircraft will feature a 6.5-ton internal fuel capacity and can carry over 3,000 pounds of ordnance internally, plus an additional 11,000 pounds externally across 14 hardpoints. Its internal weapons bay is designed to accommodate four long-range air-to-air missiles or various precision-guided munitions, complemented by a 0.9″ Gsh-23 cannon.
The development strategy involves two distinct phases: Mark 1 and Mark 2. The iMark 1 variant will incorporate fifth-generation technologies powered by American-built GE414 engines, while the subsequent Mark 2 will feature sixth-generation upgrades and a home-grown developed 110KN powerplant. India has been on a quest for a domestically developed engine for several decades now.
Additional advanced features include diverterless supersonic inlets, serpentine air intake ducts to enhance stealth characteristics, and capabilities such as optionally crewed operation, directed energy weapons, and the ability to control unmanned combat vehicles and drone swarms.
With first flight targeted for late 2028 and five prototypes planned, full-scale production is expected to commence by 2035. The Indian Air Force intends to procure at least 125 AMCA aircraft.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
