India’s Indigenous AMCA Project Enters Next Phase

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has reached a significant milestone. The Expression of Interest (EoI) process, which ended on September 30, 2025, invited proposals from national defence and engineering firms to participate in the project.

Strategic Partnerships and Bidders

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has received bids from seven prominent Indian firms:

1. L&T + Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL): A strategic alliance combining L&T's manufacturing prowess with BEL's expertise in defence electronics. 

2. BEML + Bharat Forge Ltd (BFL) + Data Patterns Ltd (DPL): A consortium aiming to leverage BEML's manufacturing capabilities and BFL's precision engineering.

3. Bharat Aerospace Technologies Ltd (BATL) + Godrej Industries Ltd (GIL) + Alpha Design Technologies Ltd (ATL): A collaboration focusing on avionics and aerospace technologies.

4. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL): India's premier aerospace manufacturer, with extensive experience in aircraft development.

5. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL): A subsidiary of the Tata Group, specializing in aerospace and defence systems.

6. Adani Defence & Aerospace: A rapidly growing player in the defence sector, focusing on advanced technologies.

7. BATL + Axiscades Technologies Ltd + Goodluck India Ltd: A strategic alliance to collaborate on advanced defense and aerospace technologies.

A high-level committee chaired by former DRDO scientist A. Sivathanu Pillai will oversee the bid evaluation. Bid evaluation is expected to conclude by the end of 2025 or early 2026, with Requests for Proposal (RFP) issued to shortlisted integrators by mid-2026. Workshare will be finalized, and tooling and metal cutting are planned for 2027. The first prototype is expected in 2028, with the first flight scheduled between 2028 and 2029. Certification is anticipated by 2033–34, and production is planned to start between 2035 and 2036.

The AMCA is planned as a multirole stealth fighter. It will have a stealth-optimized airframe to reduce radar visibility, supercruise capability to maintain supersonic speeds without afterburners, internal weapons bays, and updated avionics for better situational awareness. It is intended for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.

The programme is part of India’s effort to develop indigenous defence technology. By involving both public and private sector companies, it aims to strengthen domestic capabilities in aerospace manufacturing and engineering. Once operational, the AMCA will enhance the Indian Air Force’s capabilities.