Agniveervayu passing-out parade tomorrow
Air Vice-Marshal P.C.P. Anand, who is the senior officer in-charge of administration, HQTC, IAF, will be the reviewing officer and chief guest for the parade.
Training for this batch commenced on January 6, 2025.
The culmination of this phase of training marks a significant milestone for the Agniveervayu trainees as they have completed 22 weeks of rigorous and transformative ab-initio training before they embark on their professional training phase on allocated trades.
Various other guests, dignitaries and parents of the trainees have also been invited to witness the key event, said a release.
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Foreign fighters are no substitute: India must prioritise its own AMCA
The indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is not just a fighter jet project; it's a national security priority that requires swift and decisive action to maintain India's aerial dominance and strategic posture read more The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme in India is considered urgent due to the country's declining fighter squadron strength, the modernisation of rival air forces, and the need to maintain a technological edge in air combat. The programme aims to replace ageing aircraft and introduce a fifth-generation fighter, addressing both operational and strategic requirements. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is down to 29 fighter squadrons vis-à-vis the sanctioned strength of 42, and several more are scheduled for retirement in the coming years. IAF was forced to stretch the MiG-21 aircraft fleet, and the last of these squadrons will wind down in mid-September 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China has inducted fifth-generation J-20 fighters in large numbers and is already flight-testing two sixth-generation fighters. Pakistan has been upgrading its air force with advanced fighter jets and aerial weapons and is seeking stealth fifth-generation fighter aircraft from both China and Turkey. This is creating an imbalance in the region. The F-35 and Su-57 The American F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter has not been on formal offer to India; in fact, the US had denied the F-35 to its Nato ally Turkey since, like India, they had acquired the Russian S-400 air defence system. President Trump's unpredictable tariff policies have been targeting India, among many others. Historically, the US has often jettisoned global partners when its own interests were no longer in congruence. As per a Bloomberg report, India had notified the United States that it will not acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jets. The F-35 was reportedly proposed as part of a broader US plan to increase military sales to India. The F-35 is priced close to $100 million per unit and is quite expensive to maintain. The F-35 will have compatibility issues with India's Russian-origin equipment, such as the Il-78 refuelling aircraft. Additionally, the US is unlikely to meet India's requirements for co-production or technology transfer, which are central to the 'Make in India' initiative. In contrast, Russia has offered to co-produce its Su-57 stealth fighter in India, aligning with these goals. The Su-57 is much cheaper at nearly $60-65 million. But total numbers built are still very few (42), and earlier India had walked away from its predecessor, the joint fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). But then, the Su-57 is the only serious foreign offer to date. AMCA's early success is a strategic imperative for India, enhancing its air combat capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign platforms. The AMCA is meant to provide a technological advantage over adversaries and enable India to compete in modern air warfare. The programme aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and boost indigenous aerospace capabilities. Meeting the projected induction timeline of the AMCA is crucial to address the operational gaps and maintain a credible deterrent. In essence, the AMCA is not just a fighter jet project; it's a national security priority that requires swift and decisive action to maintain India's aerial dominance and strategic posture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD AMCA Status The single-seat, twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth, multirole AMCA is being designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an aircraft design agency under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The AMCA is intended to perform a multitude of missions, including air supremacy, ground strike, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and electronic warfare (EW) missions. It is intended to supplant the Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter, which forms the backbone of the IAF fighter fleet. The AMCA design is optimised for low radar cross section and supercruise capability. As of July 2025, the prototype development phase is underway after the completion of the feasibility study, preliminary design stage and detailed design phase. The AMCA programme, originally launched in 2010 as a 20-tonne class fighter, is now a 25-tonne class fighter. The design work was completed in 2023, and approval for the ₹15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) project for prototype development was received from CCS in March 2024. A total of five prototypes are to be built. The first three prototypes will carry out developmental flight trials, whereas the next two will focus on weapon trials. The prototype will be rolled out at an interval of 8-9 months. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The initial plan was to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) consisting of ADA, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and a private company for the development and production of AMCA. At Aero India 2025, a full-scale engineering model of the AMCA was publicly demonstrated for the first time. As revealed during the event, ADA had laid out a 10-year development roadmap from the phase that began in April 2024. The prototype rollout is planned for late 2026 or early 2027, followed by the first flight in 2028, certification by 2032 and induction in 2034. Each prototype will cost ₹1,000 crore ($120 million). Proposal for Industry Partnership Model It has been reported that the government is yet to decide the production partner for the aircraft since ADA has proposed to hand over the responsibility to private sector companies rather than HAL in view of the company's 'not-so-great delivery track record'. Multiple meetings had been held, and HAL pushed for an additional assembly line dedicated to AMCA if required. Meanwhile, the government has shifted to an 'industry partnership model' instead of the initial plans for SPV. ADA's push for changing the production partner is to avoid any further delays following setbacks from development funding and lack of clearance from the US government for licence production of engines. The private sector partner would be responsible for development, production and lifetime maintenance of the jet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The MoD formed a panel to examine increasing the role of private sector companies in the development of the AMCA. A top-level committee has evaluated a 'clear-cut strategy and production-cum-business model' to accelerate the development of AMCA. The committee is tasked to devise a plan to 'shrink timelines' to get AMCA from the drawing board to the air as well as the high-thrust indigenous engine development. On May 27, 2025, the MoD cleared the 'Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model'. Under the model, the ADA will release an Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop AMCA through industry partnership. Both private and public sector companies can bid either as independent entities or as consortia or joint ventures to get the contract. As of now, the prototype rollout is expected by 2028-29, the first flight by 2029, service introduction by 2034 and series production by 2035. The HAL is reportedly set to evaluate responses from 24 companies in order to select a partner firm for the formation of a consortium. This consortium, structured under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, will subsequently bid to become the designated AMCA development consortium. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On June 18, 2025, the EOI was released by ADA which is meant to shortlist Indian companies for prototype development, flight testing, and certification of the AMCA. The document calls for 'reputed' Indian companies which are compliant with Indian laws and are experienced in the aerospace and defence sector. The bidder has to establish dedicated facilities for series production of the aircraft. The bidder has to complete the development, prototyping, flight test and certification of the AMCA within eight years of signing the contract. While the deadline for responding to the EOI is 16 August, before which a pre-EOI meeting is scheduled. Engine development Initially ADA had plans to issue a request for proposal (RfP) to six original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for co-development of an afterburning low-bypass turbofan of the 110 kN thrust class. As per a government statement in the Rajya Sabha during the Winter Session 2021, there is a proposal to jointly develop the engine for AMCA with the help of a foreign partner using the know-how from the Kaveri engine development programme. On July 15, 2023, India and France agreed to collaborate for the joint development of a combat aircraft engine, which would power the Mark-2 variant of AMCA as part of the Horizon 2047 document for the India-France strategic partnership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On 18 November 2023, Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, announced that the United States has provided the necessary permits, opening the door for GE Aerospace and HAL to jointly produce the General Electric F414 engine in India for the HAL Tejas Mark 2 and for the first two squadrons of AMCA. As of September 2024, foreign firms who offered joint venture development include the US-origin General Electric, the UK-origin Rolls-Royce and the French-origin Safran. The latter two had also offered 100 per cent intellectual property (IP) of engine design. Safran and Rolls-Royce have also received clearance from their respective countries for the engine development. In October 2024, Safran and HAL also signed an MoU to develop industrial cooperation in forging parts' manufacturing for commercial engines, including those. HAL, in its Bangalore facility, would supply engine parts of CFM International LEAP to Safran Aircraft Engines. On February 18, 2025, it was also reported that while France was in an advanced stage of talks with India, Rolls-Royce Holdings was in talks with India for the engine co-development programme for AMCA. They have offered 'to co-develop and co-design, allowing India to own the IP in India, for India, for use in current as well as future programmes'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By July 18, the MoD officially recommended a strategic partnership with France to co-develop a next-generation engine with a thrust of 120 kN (27,000 lbf). The recommendation was forwarded to the government after a consultative process including feedback from stakeholders and a technical committee that went deep into all aspects of fighter jet engine manufacturing. This strategic project is worth ₹61,000 crore ($7.2 billion). Safran had earlier suggested a roadmap which would be synchronised with the developmental timeline of AMCA. As per estimates, India needs around 250 of these engines in the next decade. Government Support's Private Sector The Indian government is actively promoting private sector involvement through various initiatives and policies. A new model for the AMCA programme allows private firms to bid alongside HAL, either independently or in collaboration with other Indian or foreign partners. Increased private sector participation aligns with government goals to foster indigenous manufacturing and achieve self-reliance ('Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat') in defence production. The AMCA programme is categorised as a Make-I project under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. This offers government funding for Research & Development (R&D) and incentives like research grants, tax concessions, and preferential procurement terms to private companies. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiatives provide grants and support to start-ups and MSMEs for developing innovative defence technologies, creating a vibrant ecosystem for private sector involvement. Companies can take advantage of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and simplified FDI norms. Programmes like the Defence Industrial Corridors and the DRDO Technology Development Fund encourage participation from smaller firms. Private Sector and AMCA For long, the military aircraft development and production in India have been the preserve of India's DRDO and Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), the HAL. The recent contract for IAF's CASA C-295W broke that trend, and the contract was given to the private sector firm Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). HAL has a huge captive order book of Indian armed forces aircraft. These include the LCA Mk1 and Mk2 variants, a variety of helicopters, trainers, aero-engines, and aircraft overhauls. DRDO Chief Kamat recently announced that ADA will select an AMCA production partner by year-end. It seeks private sector efficiency to avoid past defence delays. Private firms can participate in designing and engineering various components and subsystems of the AMCA. From structural elements like the fuselage and wings to specialised parts like composite panels, private companies are involved in producing numerous AMCA components. Firms with expertise in avionics, propulsion, stealth features, advanced materials, and electronic warfare can contribute to the integration of complex systems within the AMCA. Private companies can provide crucial support throughout the aircraft's lifecycle, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services and spare parts supply. The private sector can support skill development and technological advancement. Their participation in the AMCA programme fosters the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities, high-precision machining, avionics, embedded software, and other critical technologies within the private sector. Consortium Approach Companies like TASL, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Vem Technologies, and Alpha Tocol Engineering Services are already involved in manufacturing various components and assemblies for HAL's projects and are well-positioned to play a significant role in AMCA development. Other players like Mahindra Defence, Bharat Forge, and Adani Defence are also big in defence production and expanding into aerospace manufacturing and likely to contribute to the AMCA supply chains. Even IT giants like Infosys, TCS, and Cyient have cleared technical evaluation for designing the AMCA stealth fighter airframe and subsystems, highlighting the broadening scope of private sector involvement. Private companies are known for their agility and efficiency, which can help speed up the design, development, and production phases of the AMCA programme. Increased private sector involvement fosters the growth of indigenous capabilities, reducing India's dependence on foreign technology and boosting domestic aerospace expertise. Competition among private players can drive down costs and encourage innovation, leading to a more robust and advanced AMCA. The AMCA project, with its substantial investment and long-term scope, creates numerous job opportunities across various skill levels and contributes to the growth of India's defence and aerospace industrial ecosystem. A good approach would be a consortium of private companies. Such an approach is being followed in most aircraft building programmes around the world. The F-22 Raptor was a joint programme between Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a joint initiative between the UK, Japan, and Italy-based companies. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme includes Dassault Aviation, Airbus, Thales, Indra Sistemas, and EUMET, among others. Large corporates like TASL or L&T could be the 'prime contractor' and the main integrator. Others with individual strengths could be partners. Companies with stealth technologies can focus on manufacturing radar-absorbing composites, designing stealth airframe parts, and engineering internal weapon systems crucial for maintaining low radar cross-sections for low electromagnetic signatures. Private players can engage in building AI-powered avionics, sensor fusion, advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems, net-centric capabilities, electronics, and sensor suites. Firms can contribute by developing engines, components, and technologies that enhance supersonic flight capabilities without afterburners and support thrust-vectoring systems for improved agility. With propulsion systems initially using GE F414 engines, private industry can participate in the co-production and supply of key engine components. Private companies can work on smart weapons. Companies in the aerospace supply chain can contribute precision components and machined parts and perform quality testing and certification services. The production of advanced alloys is another significant area for private sector involvement. Bharat Forge has strength in forgings. Private companies can engage in supplying parts, sub-assemblies, and specialised materials. In the LCA project, over 500 Indian companies, including MSMEs, are involved, indicating a broad and deep ecosystem of Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers. This collaborative approach, the dynamism and innovation of private firms, is expected to accelerate the development and production of India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, contributing significantly to national security and self-reliance. Time to take calls quickly and get going, India. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
