Former Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash has proposed merging the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) programs into a unified naval variant, the N-AMCA, to align with evolving defense needs. This joint effort would enhance cost efficiency, technological synergy, and strategic alignment, particularly against the backdrop of China’s expanding naval capabilities. The N-AMCA could support both the Indian Air Force and Navy by leveraging shared components and advanced fifth-generation features, addressing the TEDBF’s viability concerns due to limited demand. This initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India strategies, aiming for 70-80% indigenous content in defense manufacturing, thereby promoting national self-reliance in advanced military aviation technology.