India’s AMCA Gets Another Boost with BEML-Bharat Forge-Data Patterns Partnership

India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is gathering new momentum. After news broke that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) had joined hands to form a consortium for the project, a fresh development has now emerged: BEML Limited, Bharat Forge, and Data Patterns (India) Limited have signed a tripartite agreement to collaborate on AMCA.

This signals that multiple powerful Indian defense industry groups are aligning themselves to support what will become the country’s most advanced indigenous fighter jet programme.

Two Big Teams For AMCA

The entry of BEML-Bharat Forge-Data Patterns adds new weight to the programme. These two groupings now stand alongside the L&T-BEL consortium. Both teams are expected to act as Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers, managing critical subcontracted workshares once the project enters full swing.

The model resembles how global aerospace giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing partnered during the F-22 Raptor programme in the United States, splitting advanced work responsibilities while still supporting a single flagship fighter design. In India’s case, this structure ensures that no one company bears the entire industrial burden, while also creating competition and efficiency in execution.

What Each Player Brings

• BEML Limited: A major defence public sector unit with strengths in aerospace structures, ground systems, and support equipment.

• Bharat Forge: A private heavyweight in forgings and advanced components, bringing cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes.

• Data Patterns: A key electronic systems company, adding advanced avionics, mission computers, and test systems.

• L&T and BEL: Already strong in radar, sensors, electronics, and complex system integration.

Together, these entities create a deep supply chain covering everything from fuselage structures and landing gear to electronic warfare suites and mission-critical avionics.

Why It Matters

The AMCA is not just another fighter jet. It is India’s leap into the world of fifth-generation combat aircraft, designed to feature stealth, supercruise, advanced sensors, and network-centric warfare capability. To achieve this, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) needs strong industrial partners capable of handling complex technologies and production challenges.

By dividing the work into layers of subcontractors (L2 and L3), India is effectively building its own ecosystem of aerospace companies — a strategy similar to global leaders, ensuring knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability.

With ADA leading the design, and HAL expected to take on final assembly and system integration, the newly formed consortiums will focus on specialized subsystems and critical components. This could include landing gear, actuators, electronic warfare suites, data links, and more.

The tripartite MoU signed on 26 September 2025 at Pune confirms that India’s defense industry is now moving in sync for AMCA. Over time, as development milestones are achieved, these consortia will shape not only the fighter itself but also India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities for the next 30 years.

India’s AMCA programme now stands at a crucial turning point. With two strong industrial teams — L&T-BEL and BEML-Bharat Forge-Data Patterns — gearing up to share the massive workload, the stage is set for a collaborative model that mirrors the best international practices.

Just like the F-22 benefited from the Lockheed-Boeing partnership, India’s AMCA will benefit from this network of industrial champions. The dream of flying a truly indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter is slowly becoming a reality.