Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the "execution model" to advance a major project aimed at indigenously developing a fifth-generation, deep penetration advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force. India has been working on the ambitious AMCA initiative to create a medium-weight stealth fighter jet designed to strengthen its air power capabilities.

On Tuesday, the Defence Ministry announced that Singh has given the green light to the "Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model." The ministry stated, "In a significant move to boost India’s indigenous defence capabilities and build a strong domestic aerospace industry, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the AMCA Programme Execution Model."

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will oversee the programme’s execution in collaboration with industry partners. The ministry highlighted that the "execution model" allows both private and public sector companies to compete on an equal footing. Eligible bidders must be Indian companies compliant with national laws and can participate independently, as joint ventures, or as consortia.

The ministry emphasized, "This step is crucial for leveraging indigenous expertise and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype, marking a key milestone towards achieving Aatmanirbharata (self-reliance) in the aerospace sector." Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had granted in-principle approval for the fighter jet project. The initial development budget is estimated to be around Rs 15,000 crore. The Indian Air Force has been advocating for the AMCA to meet its long-term operational needs. India’s confidence in the project grew notably following the successful development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.