Context

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared the project to design and develop India's fifth-generation fighter jet Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Key-takeaways of the proposal

• The approval is for development and production of five prototypes in the next five years.
• The project involves designing and developing twin-engine aircraft prototypes.
• Under the plan, five prototypes of the AMCA will jointly be built by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with support from private industries.
• The AMCA aims to elevate India into an exclusive category of nations that have successfully developed fifth-generation fighters.

About fifth-generation aircraft

• Fifth generation fighters are the most technologically advanced jets ever built. 
• Such platforms typically include stealth, low-probability-of-intercept radar, agile airframes with super cruise performance, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the battlespace for situational awareness and C3 (command, control and communications) capabilities.