Defence Ministry Boosts Public-Private Collaboration in AMCA 5th-Gen Fighter Project, Tata Poised as Key Player

As the United States intensifies its push to sell the F-35 fighter jet to India, New Delhi is focusing on strengthening its indigenous defence capabilities by enhancing private sector involvement in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. The Defence Ministry has established a high-level committee, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, to explore ways of integrating private firms into the fifth-generation fighter jet program to ensure its timely execution.

This committee includes representatives from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's premier aerospace public sector unit. The government is currently evaluating multiple models of public-private collaboration. One option under consideration is a joint venture between HAL and a private firm, while another approach involves private sector participation in design and development while leveraging HAL’s manufacturing expertise.

Among private entities, the Tata Group has emerged as a strong contender due to its existing aircraft integration experience. Tata is currently working with Airbus to assemble the C-295 transport aircraft in India, making it the only Indian company with hands-on experience in this domain. Additionally, HAL has already been outsourcing significant production work to private firms such as L&T, Godrej, and Azad Engineering, laying the groundwork for increased private sector participation in AMCA.

The AMCA, India’s answer to fifth-generation stealth fighters, was showcased at the Aero India 2025 exhibition held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the IAF, the AMCA is envisioned as a 25-ton fighter jet equipped with cutting-edge manned and unmanned teaming capabilities.

One of AMCA’s standout features is its AI-powered electronic pilot, designed to enhance combat efficiency through multi-sensor data fusion, automatic target identification, a pilot decision support system, and a combined vision system for navigation in low-visibility conditions. According to the ADA, integrating AI into the AMCA program will significantly advance its development, ensuring that it ranks among the world’s most sophisticated fifth-generation fighter jets.

With India determined to accelerate its self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the AMCA project’s success will largely depend on how effectively the government integrates private sector expertise. Tata’s potential role in this landmark initiative signals a major shift in India’s defence industrial strategy, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of next-generation military aviation.