India’s defense sector marks a pivotal advancement as DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat announced on January 3-4, 2026, during the Tejas-25 seminar in Bengaluru, that the first Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) prototype will roll out by end-2028, with maiden flight in early 2029. This fifth-generation stealth fighter, led by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) with HAL and private partners, integrates cutting-edge technologies like internal weapons bays and supercruise, positioning India among elite nations amid China-Pakistan threats. Concurrently, LCA MkII—featuring enhanced stealth and avionics—is slated for first flight in June-July 2026, accelerated from prior estimates due to Tejas lessons. These milestones, backed by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s emphasis on timelines, bolster IAF readiness, reduce import reliance, and fortify strategic autonomy by 2035 induction.