L&T and BEL Team Up for India’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet AMCA

In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has joined hands with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to support the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, the country’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet project for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The consortium is set to respond to the Government of India’s Expression of Interest (EoI) in the coming weeks. This partnership brings together L&T’s expertise in defence and aerospace platforms with BEL’s strengths in defence electronics and systems, aligning with the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).

Both companies have previously played key roles in India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, with L&T supplying major aero-structure modules and BEL developing critical avionics and electronic systems. The new collaboration aims to deliver a world-class, high-tech solution for the IAF.

S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director of L&T, said, “This partnership marks a significant leap in modernising India’s defence capabilities. Together, we will strengthen national security and advance self-reliance in defence technologies.”

Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of BEL, added, “The AMCA project showcases India’s growing technological capabilities in defence. Our collaboration with L&T will ensure the IAF receives a state-of-the-art aircraft that will serve the nation for decades.”

The AMCA is a twin-engine stealth fighter developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The first prototype is expected by 2028, with the first flight anticipated in 2029 and series production by 2035. The aircraft is a key part of India’s push for defence self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The L&T-BEL partnership underscores a major step forward in indigenous defence manufacturing and strengthens India’s technological edge in modern warfare.