In a significant development for India's indigenous defence capabilities, the defence ministry on Wednesday issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, to three shortlisted private companies. This marks the first time that Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has been excluded from a major fighter jet programme, as the state-owned enterprise is currently occupied with the Tejas 4.5-generation fighter programme and pending orders from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Shortlisted Bidders and Budget
The three private players in the race are Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen and Toubro in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge in partnership with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. The prototype phase of the AMCA project is budgeted at Rs 15,000 crore. Once the companies submit their responses, the selection process is expected to conclude within four to five months. Bidding begins on June 11, with final submissions due by the end of next month, and bids will be opened on July 28.
Project Execution and Timeline
The selected private defence major will collaborate with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a defence ministry entity, to develop five prototypes of the aircraft. The first prototype is likely to be completed by early 2027, with the first flight of the multi-role fighter expected between 2028 and 2029. Serial production is anticipated to commence in the mid-2030s. The RFP also requires bidders to support flight testing and type certification activities.
Once the prototype receives clearance and the Cabinet Committee on Security approves, the AMCA will be manufactured at the upcoming Integration and Flight Testing Complex in Andhra Pradesh, whose foundation was recently laid by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Capabilities and Features
The AMCA is designed as a medium-weight, multi-role, twin-engine stealth fighter, equipped with super-cruise capability, internal weapons bays, and advanced artificial intelligence. It is expected to have an operational ceiling of 55,000 feet and can carry 1,500 kg of weapons internally, with an additional 5,500 kg externally. The aircraft will rival the US F-35 Lightning II and Russian Su-57 stealth fighters once developed.
The IAF has been pushing for the AMCA project to meet its long-term requirements. The execution model involving private companies was approved by the defence minister on May 27, 2025, and expressions of interest were invited from private firms approximately 20 days later.
With HAL not participating, this programme represents a shift towards greater private sector involvement in India's defence aerospace sector. The AMCA is being developed under the design and expertise of DRDO's ADA, aiming to enhance India's strategic autonomy in fighter jet production.
