Adani Defence Joins India’s AMCA Race as Programme Enters Critical EoI Stage

Adani Defence & Aerospace has officially announced its participation in the Expression of Interest (EoI) stage of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme—now open for the first time to private players. With proposals due by September 30, 2025, Adani has marked its intent to play a substantial role in India’s most ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project.

The AMCA programme, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO, aims to produce a twin-engine, multirole stealth fighter capable of air superiority, deep-strike missions, and advanced electronic warfare.

A major reform has recently been introduced through the Programme Execution Model, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. For the first time, India has allowed both public and private entities to bid for a project of this scale. Around ₹15,000 crore has been earmarked for the development phase.

According to ADA guidelines, companies—acting individually, as consortia, or through joint ventures—must demonstrate expertise in prototyping, flight testing, certification, manufacturing infrastructure, and systems integration. The selected partner will be tasked with completing key development milestones within eight years of contract signing. Current targets project prototype rollout by 2028–29, first flight by 2029, certification by 2032, and induction into the Indian Air Force by 2034–35.

So far, interest from private companies has been cautious. Over two dozen firms, including Tata Advanced Systems, L&T, Bharat Forge, Mahindra Aerospace, Godrej Aerospace, Azad Engineering, and Adani Defence, attended pre-bid meetings. However, concerns over high investment risks and commercial viability have slowed responses, forcing ADA to extend the EoI deadline.

Meanwhile, efforts to build industrial infrastructure for AMCA are also in motion. The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed a 10,000-acre aerospace hub at Lepakshi–Madakasira, which could host HAL’s production lines for both AMCA and the Tejas fighter. This is seen as part of India’s larger plan to establish a major defence manufacturing corridor.

On the propulsion front, India has deepened cooperation with France’s Safran for advanced jet engine development, with technology transfer aimed at strengthening indigenous capabilities. Talks are also being held with global majors such as Rolls-Royce to support long-term engine solutions.

Adani’s entry into the AMCA race reflects a growing role of private industry in India’s defence sector. The success of this project, however, will depend on how effectively the government balances industry concerns with national security timelines.