Preparing to choose a key partner, India’s defence industry vies to co-develop indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets.
India is set to pick a partner for its ₹150 billion Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, marking a crucial step in the country’s pursuit of indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter capability. Bids have been submitted by major defence players, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) collaborating with private firms.
The submissions were made by the September 30 deadline in response to the Expression of Interest (EoI) issued by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a DRDO arm managing the programme. A committee led by former BrahMos Aerospace chief A Sivathanu Pillai will evaluate the bids and submit recommendations to the Defence Ministry.
The chosen partner will co-develop the fighter and may later join production when the jets enter mass manufacture. At least 125 AMCA aircraft are planned for the Indian Air Force, forming around seven squadrons, with production projected to be worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crore. First jets are expected for induction by 2034-35.
The AMCA project represents India’s push into the global fifth-generation stealth fighter arena, dominated by the US, Russia, and China. Beyond defence capability, the programme is expected to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing, foster technology partnerships, and create a long-term order pipeline for Indian industry.
