For the first time full scale model of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a twin-engine 5th generation stealth fighter aircraft conceptualised and designed by DRDO’ Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), will be displayed at five-day long Aero India show.

The aircraft is likely to be inducted into Indian Air Force by 2035 after completion of trials.

On March 7, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the AMCA project that is slated to cost ₹15,000 crores. 

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ADA is demonstrating the full scale engineering model in Aero India – India Pavilion to showcase the air prowess and technological advancements in the country. 

Design iterations, as per the DRDO, are part of the development cycle. 

“The present model being displayed is contemporary as of today and will be evolved during the development. This practice is followed across the globe by any combat aircraft design house,” DRDO sources said.

Only a few countries like US, Russia and China have 5th generation fighter aircraft.

AMCA is one of the most advanced 5th generation fighter and ADA is working on development of key 5th generation technologies like AI powered Electronic Pilot, Netcentric Warfare Systems, Integrated Vehicle Health Management, and Internal weapon Bay, DRDO officials said.

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The AI powered Electronic Pilot comprises with multi sensor data fusion to enhance situational awareness, pilot decision support system, automatic target identification system, combined vision system for navigation in poor visibility, and manned and unmanned teaming, the DRDO officials narrated.

The implementation of AI based technologies in AMCA will force multiply the operational capabilities making AMCA as one of the most advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft among the contemporary aircraft. 

The use of AI in AMCA will force multiply the ADA in progressing the development activities.