New Delhi : State-owned aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has reaffirmed that it will compete for the mass production contract of India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), even if it does not participate in the initial prototype development phase currently underway.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil said the ongoing selection process applies only to prototype construction and does not determine participation in the aircraft’s series production, which is expected to begin around 2035.
Manufacturing Phase Remains Open
Speaking to The Indian Express, Sunil addressed reports that a HAL-led consortium may not have been shortlisted in the preliminary technical screening to build five AMCA prototypes. He said the AMCA is a long-term national programme and that exclusion from the first stage would not affect HAL’s eligibility for the production phase.
Sunil stated that even if HAL is not selected for prototype development, the company will bid when fresh tenders are issued for licence manufacturing. He added that participation in the prototype stage and the manufacturing stage are separate processes, and non-selection in stage one does not bar entry into stage two.
According to HAL, the production contract will involve large-scale manufacturing over several decades to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force, making it a distinct and independent competition.
Status of Prototype Selection
The AMCA prototype development process began last year after requests were issued to Indian industry consortia. Seven consortia submitted bids. Based on technical evaluations, three consortia have reportedly been shortlisted to proceed further.
The selected partner or partners will be responsible for building five flying prototypes and one structural test specimen. Financial evaluations based on commercial bids are currently underway to finalise the development partner for the prototype phase.
Officials familiar with the process have indicated that private sector participation is expected to play a significant role in the initial development stage, in line with the government’s push to expand private industry involvement in defence manufacturing.
HAL Order Book and Programme Outlook
HAL has said the AMCA programme was not included in its revenue projections for the next decade. Sunil noted that the company’s financial outlook remains unaffected by the prototype selection outcome.
In a statement issued earlier this week, HAL said it has a confirmed order book providing revenue visibility through 2032. The company is also advancing several major defence programmes expected to enter production after 2032.
These include the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), the Light Combat Aircraft Mk2, and the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), which focuses on manned–unmanned combat operations. HAL has identified these programmes as the core of its post-2032 production roadmap.
Alongside defence projects, HAL is expanding its civil aviation portfolio, including platforms such as the Dhruv New Generation, Hindustan 228, and the SJ-100, as part of efforts to diversify revenue streams.
Update on LCA Mk1A Deliveries
Sunil also provided an update on deliveries of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A to the Indian Air Force. He said five aircraft are fully built and ready for handover, with deliveries pending completion of specific software upgrades.
HAL said the remaining work relates to radar software updates and a missile trial, expected to be completed in the coming months. Sunil confirmed that all major capabilities, including the AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and integration of ASTRA and ASRAAM missiles, have already been incorporated.
Beyond the initial five aircraft, nine Mk1A jets are structurally complete but awaiting engine deliveries, while ten more are at various stages of production. Deliveries are expected to be completed within the current financial year, subject to final software clearances.
HAL’s Long-Term Role in AMCA
The AMCA programme aims to deliver a stealth, multirole fifth-generation fighter designed and built in India. While the prototype phase may involve greater private sector leadership, HAL officials say the company’s manufacturing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and experience in large-scale aircraft production position it as a strong contender for the future production phase.
HAL has reiterated its commitment to the full lifecycle of the AMCA programme and plans to pursue the manufacturing contract when the formal production tender is issued in the coming decade.
——— End of Article ———
