India to Build Next-Gen Fighter Jets and Electric Trainer Aircraft
India to Build Next-Generation Indigenous Fighter Jets and Electric Trainer Aircraft (Image X.com)
Defence Ministry clears AMCA project; Government pushes for self-reliance in aerospace and green aviation
By AMIT KUMAR
NEW DELHI, May 28, 2025 – In a major leap toward defence self-reliance and aerospace innovation, the Government approved the development of an indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The move is seen as a significant step in reducing India’s dependence on foreign nations for combat aircraft, while also strengthening the country’s military capabilities in future warfare.
The AMCA project, cleared by the Defence Ministry on Tuesday, aims to harness India’s own technical expertise and industrial strength to produce state-of-the-art fighter jets. The programme will be implemented by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The manufacturing process will include participation from both public sector units like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry players.
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that the AMCA programme is designed not just to enhance the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities, but also to build a robust and self-reliant aerospace ecosystem within the country.
“India has taken a decisive step toward building a world-class fifth-generation fighter aircraft using its own technology, aligning with our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Singh said.
Key Features of AMCA
The AMCA will be a multi-role stealth fighter with cutting-edge avionics and stealth technology designed to evade enemy radar detection. The programme, with an initial allocation of ₹15,000 crore approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in April 2024, will also serve as a benchmark for India’s future aerospace development.
In a notable departure from previous defence models, the project will operate on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, offering equal opportunity for both sectors. ADA will soon issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) to formalize participation and initiate the development phase.
Indigenous Electric Trainer Aircraft – e-Hansa
Alongside the AMCA programme, India is also set to manufacture its first two-seater indigenous electric trainer aircraft, named e-Hansa, which will mark another step toward sustainable aviation.
The aircraft is being jointly developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru. Central Science and Technology Minister (Independent Charge) shared details of the project during a high-level meeting with department secretaries on Tuesday.
He noted that the e-Hansa will not only be cost-effective—priced under ₹2 crore—but will also promote green energy usage in aviation, thereby aligning with India’s environmental goals. “This is a proud moment for India as we create cutting-edge aviation technology indigenously,” the minister added.
Push for Technology Commercialization and Private Investment
Emphasizing the role of innovation and commercialization, the Minister underlined the importance of involving the private sector not just as knowledge partners but also as financial investors in India’s science and technology ecosystem. He urged National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to accelerate technology transfers to private industry and foster a market-driven innovation model.
The minister also praised the ISRO-led SPADEX mission, noting its success as a symbol of India’s emerging space capabilities. He added that the world is closely watching India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, and lauded ISRO’s key contribution to recent humanitarian efforts like Operation Sindhurakshak.
Currently, ISRO is collaborating with 40 central ministries and 28 state governments on future strategic missions aimed at building a technologically advanced India.
Toward a Developed India
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), the central government has launched sectoral brainstorming camps involving major scientific institutions, including Department of Space, CSIR, Department of Atomic Energy, and Ministry of Earth Sciences, to accelerate India’s development in science, defence, and innovation.
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