Can India build one of the world's most powerful 5th-gen fighter jets?

India has cleared a major step towards modernising its air power, with the Defence Ministry approving a massive ₹15,000 crore plan to develop its very own 5th-generation fighter jet. The project — named the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) — was greenlit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a bold move in strengthening India’s defence capabilities in the skies.

The AMCA will be twin-engine, multi-role, stealth-enabled, and AI-powered, entirely Made in India under the indigenous defence initiative. It will operate at altitudes of up to 55,000 feet, carry 6,500 kg of fuel, and be equipped with both internal and external weapons for precision strikes. Its design will allow it to penetrate enemy airspace, hit strategic targets, and vanish before detection.

The Mk-1 version will initially use an American GE engine, while the Mk-2 variant is expected to feature a more powerful, Indian-made engine, developed in collaboration with global partners.

Why it matters

Only three nations — the United States (F-22 Raptor), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57) — currently operate 5th-generation stealth fighter jets. The AMCA will be India’s answer to these advanced platforms, placing the country in an exclusive global club. This development isn’t just about boosting air combat strength — it’s a significant strategic signal, reflecting India’s ambition to become a top-tier military power with self-reliant, cutting-edge technology.

Timeline to watch

While the AMCA won’t be ready overnight, progress is on track. A prototype is expected by 2028, with full-scale production beginning in 2032. If all goes to plan, the first stealth squadron could enter service by 2034 — within just a decade.

Why do we need it?

5th-generation jets are often referred to as the “iPhones of the skies” — combining speed, stealth, AI, and connectivity. They fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners, are invisible to radar, and coordinate with drones and satellites in real-time. With changing warfare dynamics, India cannot afford to fall behind.

What’s next?

As India pushes for 5th-gen readiness, the 6th-generation race has already begun in the US, UK, and China, with work underway on technologies like brain-machine interfaces, laser weapons, and drone swarms. The AMCA Mk-2 is expected to lay the groundwork for India’s entry into this next-gen air combat era — a vital bridge to future air superiority.