The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in India is seeking $2bn from the Indian Government to develop an advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA).
ADA director and programme director (combat aircraft) PS Subramanyam said the ADA has already received Rs1bn ($21m) from the government and has begun initial work on the fifth-generation aircraft.
The AMCA, primarily designed for the Indian Air Force, will have a small radar cross-section and feature internal weapons and advanced electronic systems.
The stealth multirole fighter will be powered by twin engines, and equipped with missiles such as Astra and stand-off and precision weapons.
The AMCA, which will weigh only 20t, will bridge the gap between light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Sukhoi heavyweight fighters, according to business-standard.com.
Subramanyam said the $2bn fund will initially be used to develop two technology demonstrators and seven prototypes for a first flight test to take place by 2017.
