India is making significant strides in its indigenous defense capabilities with the advancement of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet program, known as AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). Two high-level government panels have been tasked with assessing seven prominent public and private sector companies that have expressed interest in contributing to this ambitious project. These assessments are crucial for selecting the right partners to bring India’s cutting-edge fighter jet from concept to reality.
The evaluation process is multi-phased, beginning with an initial review by a committee composed of senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Their findings will then be forwarded to a higher panel, chaired by the defence secretary, for a comprehensive final review. This rigorous approach ensures that only the most capable entities are considered for this critical national undertaking.
A diverse group of industry leaders has stepped forward to participate in the AMCA program. These include established players like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has formed partnerships with smaller firms, as well as Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Adani Defence and Aerospace. Other notable contenders are Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Goodluck India partnering with BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd and Axiscades Technologies, and Bharat Forge Ltd working with BEML Ltd and Data Patterns.
These companies have responded to an Expression of Interest (EoI) issued by the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The EoI aims to identify Indian companies capable of building prototypes and supporting the flight testing and certification phases of the indigenous stealth fighter. The entire evaluation process is expected to conclude within a month, after which the government will invite detailed quotations from the shortlisted firms. The ultimate goal is to finalize a contract with a single entity for the development and production of five AMCA prototypes and one structural test specimen.
The AMCA project is on a fast track, with the first prototype slated for its maiden flight in 2029 and full development expected by 2034, leading to production readiness by 2035. This accelerated timeline is driven by the need to counter the growing aerial capabilities of neighboring countries, such as China’s J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to deploy approximately 120 stealth fighters from 2035 onwards, with initial squadrons expected to feature the Mk-1 variant powered by American F-414 engines, followed by the more advanced Mk-2 version equipped with a powerful new engine being co-developed with French collaboration.
The development of a robust indigenous engine is also a key priority, with a joint project between France’s Safran and India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) anticipated to yield a 120-kilonewton thrust class engine. This strategic collaboration aims for complete technology transfer and intellectual property rights for India, ensuring long-term self-reliance in aerospace technology. The IAF’s ongoing modernization efforts also include recent contracts for 180 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1As) and considerations for acquiring multi-role fighter aircraft manufactured in India, highlighting a comprehensive approach to enhancing aerial combat readiness.