India is set to advance its indigenous stealth fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), as two high-level government panels begin evaluating seven contenders. These firms, a mix of public and private sector players, are in the running to develop prototypes for India’s cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet.
The evaluation process will be thorough, with an initial assessment conducted by senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Their findings will then be passed on to a second panel, chaired by the defence secretary, for a final review.
Among the companies vying for this significant project are established names like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has formed partnerships with smaller firms, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and Adani Defence and Aerospace. Other key players include Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Goodluck India teaming up with BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd and Axiscades Technologies, and Bharat Forge Ltd partnering with BEML Ltd and Data Patterns.
These companies responded to an Expression of Interest (EoI) issued by the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), seeking partners for building prototypes and supporting the flight testing and certification of the stealth fighter. The entire evaluation is expected to conclude within a month, after which the government will issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to the shortlisted firms.
The AMCA program aims to have its first prototype take flight by 2029, with full development anticipated by 2034, ahead of production commencement in 2035. This accelerated timeline is driven by the need to counter regional security challenges and maintain a technological edge, especially considering the advancements made by countries like China in stealth fighter technology.
The project received a significant boost when the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the design and prototype development phase last year, with an estimated cost of around ₹15,000 crore. The Indian Air Force plans to induct approximately 120 stealth fighters from 2035 onwards, with initial squadrons likely to use American F-414 engines, while later versions will feature more advanced, indigenously developed engines in collaboration with French firm Safran.
This initiative underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities through indigenous development and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors in high-technology projects.