India’s defense landscape buzzed with urgency this week as the government greenlit a bold plan to develop its own stealth fighter jets. On May 27, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation, deep-penetration stealth fighter jet. This decision comes hot on the heels of reports that China is fast-tracking its delivery of advanced J-35 stealth fighter jets to Pakistan, escalating tensions in the region. With India’s air force facing a shortfall in squadrons and growing regional threats, the race to modernize its fighter jet fleet is more critical than ever. Let’s dive into why this move matters and what it means for India’s defense future.
Why Fighter Jets Are India’s Focus Now
India’s air force currently operates 31 squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42. Most of its fighter jets, like the Russian Sukhoi Su-30 MKI and French Rafale, are reliable but aging compared to fifth-generation stealth technology. China’s rapid air force expansion, coupled with its offer to supply Pakistan with 30 J-35A stealth jets at a reported 50% discount, has raised alarms in New Delhi. These Chinese jets, equipped with advanced radar-evading capabilities and long-range PL-15 missiles, could tilt the regional balance. India’s AMCA project aims to counter this by delivering a homegrown stealth fighter jet by the early 2030s, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The AMCA will be a twin-engine, all-weather aircraft designed for deep strikes and multi-role missions. Unlike India’s current fleet, it promises stealth, supercruise, and advanced avionics, putting it on par with global leaders like the U.S. F-35 or China’s J-20. The urgency of this project reflects India’s need to maintain air superiority amid growing challenges from its neighbors.
The AMCA: India’s Next-Gen Fighter Jet Ambition
The AMCA project, spearheaded by the state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), marks a shift toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The plan involves private-sector collaboration, a move endorsed by a top defense committee in March 2025. By inviting private firms to develop prototypes alongside Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India aims to speed up production and ease the burden on HAL, which has long been the backbone of its fighter jet production. This public-private partnership could transform India’s defense industry, fostering innovation and competition.
Here’s a quick look at the AMCA’s key features:
- Stealth Technology: Designed to evade radar detection, giving it an edge in contested airspace.
- Twin-Engine Design: Ensures reliability and power for long-range missions.
- Multi-Role Capability: Equipped for air superiority, ground attacks, and reconnaissance.
- Indigenous Systems: Incorporates locally developed radar, avionics, and weapons.
The project’s timeline is ambitious. The ADA plans to roll out prototypes within five years, with full production targeted for the next decade. This push aligns with India’s broader goal of boosting domestic defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.
Regional Rivalries Fuel the Fighter Jet Race
China’s reported deal to supply Pakistan with J-35 jets by August 2025 has lit a fire under India’s defense planners. Pakistani pilots are already training in China, signaling the deal’s advanced stage. The J-35, a single-seater, twin-engine stealth jet, boasts carrier compatibility and advanced missile systems, posing a direct challenge to India’s Rafale and Su-30 MKI fleets. Posts on X reflect growing concern, with some users speculating that India may need an interim fifth-generation fighter, like the U.S. F-35, to bridge the gap until the AMCA is ready.
This regional arms race isn’t just about numbers. It’s about technological edge. China’s J-35 and Pakistan’s existing J-10 jets give them a head start in deploying next-gen airpower. India’s response—doubling down on the AMCA—shows a commitment to not just match but surpass its rivals’ capabilities. The stakes are high, as air superiority could decide the outcome of any future conflict in the region.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Building a fifth-generation fighter jet is no small feat. India faces hurdles like technological complexity, funding constraints, and the need for skilled talent. HAL’s track record with projects like the Tejas fighter jet shows progress, but delays and cost overruns have been issues. Partnering with private firms could help, but coordinating such a massive project will test India’s defense ecosystem.
On the flip side, the AMCA offers huge opportunities. It could create thousands of high-skill jobs, boost India’s defense exports, and cement its status as a regional power. Success here would also reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, a longtime goal for New Delhi. With China and Pakistan upping the ante, India’s fighter jet ambitions are a bold bet on self-reliance and innovation.
The Road Forward for India’s Air Force
India’s approval of the AMCA project is a defining moment in its quest for military modernization. The threat of China’s J-35 jets in Pakistan’s hands has added urgency, but India’s response is clear: build its own cutting-edge fighter jets to secure the skies. The coming years will test India’s ability to deliver on this promise, but the stakes—regional security, technological leadership, and national pride—couldn’t be higher. As the AMCA takes shape, it will symbolize India’s determination to soar above its challenges.