Pakistan, July 11 -- Last month, the Indian government approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to advance its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The programme, led by the Aeronautical Development (ADA), will now be implemented through an industry partnership framework, breaking from the long-standing assumption that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's state-run aircraft manufacturer, would lead the project. The AMCA is a 25-tonne, twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth multirole aircraft designed for air supremacy, ground strike, suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), and electronic warfare missions.

The decision to open the AMCA program to public and private sector com...