New Delhi: In a major stride towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme. The programme will be spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) through industry partnership, marking a significant step in bolstering India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.

The newly approved model aims to foster a competitive ecosystem by offering equal opportunities to both private and public sector entities. Indian companies will be allowed to participate in the AMCA development process independently, as joint ventures, or in consortia. All participating entities must be Indian companies in compliance with national laws and regulations.

The AMCA programme is a cornerstone of India’s efforts to design and develop an advanced, next-generation stealth fighter aircraft. The approval of this execution model reflects the government’s strong commitment to harnessing domestic expertise, manufacturing capacity, and technological know-how in the aerospace domain.

This development is expected to create new opportunities for Indian defence and aerospace manufacturers, while reducing dependency on foreign technology. The industry-led approach is designed to accelerate the development of the AMCA prototype and strengthen the country’s long-term strategic capabilities.

The ADA is set to release an Expression of Interest (EoI) shortly, inviting eligible Indian entities to participate in the AMCA Development Phase. The move is seen as a vital milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence production and a significant boost for the indigenous aerospace industry.