AMCA Program: India’s Next-Generation Fighter Jets to be Developed by Private Firms; RFPs to be Submitted by April

New Delhi: India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to develop fifth-generation fighter jets, is now set to be led by private companies. Three private sector firms—Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Bharat Forge—have been shortlisted for the project. These companies are required to submit detailed Requests for Proposal (RFPs) within the next three months, after which the final winner will be selected to execute this strategic program.

The inclusion of AMCA in the Indian Air Force’s fleet is expected to strengthen national defense capabilities and serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries such as China and Pakistan.

AMCA Program: 7 Companies Competing, 3 Shortlisted
Initially, seven public and private sector companies participated in the bidding process. The selection panel evaluated the companies based on order book scrutiny, technical expertise, manufacturing capability, development experience, and financial strength. Ultimately, three firms—Tata, L&T (in collaboration with BEL and Dynamatic Technologies), and Bharat Forge (in collaboration with BEML and Data Patterns)—were shortlisted, while HAL and three other contenders were eliminated.

Why HAL Was Left Out
According to reports, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s largest public sector aerospace company, will not be part of this high-profile fighter jet program. HAL is currently committed to other major defense projects, including the LCA Tejas program, 156 additional LCH helicopters, and recently signed a contract to supply 10 Dhruv NG helicopters worth over ₹1,800 crore. The government reportedly wants HAL to focus on these ongoing deliveries, and there is also a strategic decision to establish a parallel fighter aircraft assembly line in India.

RFP Deadline and Capabilities
The three shortlisted private firms must submit their RFPs by April 2026. Of these, only Tata has prior experience in establishing a final assembly line, through its collaboration with Airbus for the C-295 transport aircraft. The other companies have experience in producing components such as wings, fuselage, and parts, but not the full assembly.

AMCA Program Details
The AMCA project aims to develop a 25-ton, twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft suitable for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Approved by the Ministry of Defence in March 2024, the program plans to develop five prototypes. The first prototype is expected to be ready between late 2026 and 2028, with the maiden flight scheduled between 2028 and 2029.

Mass Production and Induction
Large-scale production of AMCA jets is projected to begin around 2030–32, with induction into the Indian Air Force expected by 2034–35.

Collaboration with ADA
The winning company will work closely with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to develop all five prototypes. A budget of ₹15,000 crore has been allocated for the prototype stage, after which production orders for the fighter jets will be issued.

This development marks a significant step for India’s defense industry, demonstrating the increasing role of private players in strategic aerospace programs and the country’s push toward self-reliance in next-generation fighter aircraft development.