Army chief witnesses cutting-edge demonstrations of indigenous UAS, Counter-UAS :::: India closer to 5th-gen fighter jet as Rs 15,000-crore plan ... to be fourth after US, China and Russia

"In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem"

Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS),  witnessed cutting-edge demonstrations of indigenous UAS, Counter-UAS and Loitering Munitions on May 27th at Babina Field Firing Ranges.  These capabilities will significantly enhance operational efficiency, force protection and precision engagement across varied terrains. 

India aims to join US, China, Russia as 5th-generation stealth fighter operators

India closer to 5th-gen fighter jet as Rs 15,000-crore plan cleared 

India's ambitious AMCA project aims to develop a medium-weight, deep-penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth capabilities to significantly enhance the country's air power.  

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the "execution model" for implementing a major indigenous project to develop India's fifth-generation, deep-penetration advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force, potentially making India the fourth country to possess such stealth fighter jets.

At present, only three countries -- the United States (F-22 and F-35), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57) -- operate fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.  

"In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model," the Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it an "important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise, capability and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype, which will be a major milestone towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the aerospace sector".

The initial development cost of the project is estimated to be approximately Rs 15,000 crore, with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) spearheading the programme through strategic industry partnerships.

With the latest approval, eligible Indian companies can now bid either independently or as part of consortia for various aspects of the aircraft's development. ADA is expected to issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for industry participation in the coming months.

Model of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

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Govt has notified the rules under Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act 2023 which will enable greater jointness and Command efficiency in Armed Forces.

 The Rules formulated under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act 2023 have been notified through a Gazette Notification and will come into effect from May 27. 

This significant step aims to bolster effective command, control, and efficient functioning of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs), thereby strengthening jointness among the Armed Forces. 

The Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session of 2023. It received the assent of the President on August 15, 2023, and the Act came into force with effect from May 10, 2024, as per the Gazette Notification dated May 08, 2024.