CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), under development by the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) for close to two decades, is a fifth-generation, medium-weight, multirole, and twin-engine aircraft.

Detailed explanation-2: -Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is the production agency for the project has initiated manufacturing activities. The AMCA is envisaged as a 25-tonne twin engine stealth aircraft with internal weapons bay and Diverterless Supersonic Intake which has been developed in India for the first time.

Detailed explanation-3: -According to Dr A.K. Ghosh, project director of AMCA, “Once the project sanction is received, the prototype can be rolled out in three years and the first flight in one to one and (a) half years after that". The IAF plan to procure at least 125 AMCA in Mark-1 and Mark-2 configurations.