IAF Proposes Carrier-Based AMCA Variant for Indian Navy to Strengthen Maritime Air Power
In a push towards integrated defense capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed developing a carrier-based variant of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Navy, as revealed by a senior official on October 15, 2025. This twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth fighter could revolutionize India’s maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The AMCA, currently in prototype phase with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), features supercruise, sensor fusion, and internal weapons bays. Adapting it for naval operations would involve reinforced landing gear, arrestor hooks, and foldable wings to operate from carriers like INS Vikrant and Vikramaditya. The proposal aligns with the Theatre Commands framework, allowing joint asset sharing between services.
Estimated cost for the variant: ₹15,000 crore, with first flight targeted for 2032. It would replace aging MiG-29K jets and counter regional threats from advanced fighters like China’s J-20. DRDO supports the idea, emphasizing tech synergies to accelerate timelines.
Navy chiefs have welcomed the move, noting it boosts blue-water navy aspirations amid expanding Chinese naval presence. This could also open export opportunities to friendly nations.
Keywords: IAF, AMCA variant, Indian Navy, carrier-based fighter, maritime air power, stealth aircraft, Theatre Commands, INS Vikrant
