New Delhi: India has taken a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing with the approval of the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This move will enable India to develop its own fifth-generation fighter jet, a capability currently possessed by only three other nations worldwide.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the AMCA Programme Execution Model, which will facilitate the design and development of these advanced fighter jets through a collaborative effort involving both public and private sector industries. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an autonomous body responsible for designing and developing fighter aircraft for the Indian armed forces, is leading this ambitious project.

The newly approved model ensures equal opportunities for both government and private companies to participate in the program, either independently or as joint ventures. To be eligible, participating entities must be Indian companies compliant with the country’s laws.

Fifth-generation fighter jets, such as the AMCA, incorporate stealth technology, making them undetectable by enemy radar. They also boast superior altitude and speed capabilities compared to conventional fighter aircraft. Currently, only the United States, Russia, and China possess such advanced aviation technology.

Sources indicate that India is expected to commence the construction of these fifth-generation fighter jets after 2030. Experts believe that the induction of these advanced aircraft into the Indian armed forces will significantly enhance the nation’s combat capabilities, giving it a crucial edge in any conflict. The Defence Ministry has hailed this as a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in the aerospace sector.