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