In a landmark step for India’s defence and aerospace ambitions, the Government of India has officially launched an open invitation for domestic companies to participate in the design, development, and manufacturing of the nation’s first indigenously built fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)—under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—issued a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) on Wednesday, inviting proposals from qualified Indian aerospace and defence firms.
The goal: co-develop and manufacture prototype aircraft, support flight testing, and facilitate certification, all within a clear and ambitious timeline.
A Strategic Leap Amidst Mounting Security Challenges
This development comes at a critical juncture for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is currently grappling with a major shortfall in operational fighter squadrons. The IAF presently maintains only 31 active squadrons, a sharp drop from the sanctioned strength of 42, leaving significant gaps in its combat preparedness.
Meanwhile, regional adversary China has already inducted its fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighters into service and is reportedly advancing work on two sixth-generation platforms—the J-36 and J-50. Pakistan is also exploring the procurement of China’s J-35, further intensifying the threat matrix in the Indo-Pacific theatre.
Breaking Monopoly: The Private Sector Gets Its Due
In a major policy shift, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has opened up the AMCA project to competitive participation, allowing both private and public sector entities to compete. This represents a significant departure from traditional defence contracts, which were long presumed to be monopolised by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This new execution model, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 27 May, empowers capable Indian companies to take the lead—either as individual entities, joint ventures, or consortia—provided they comply with all applicable Indian laws and demonstrate relevant experience.
Only reputed Indian companies with proven capabilities in aerospace design, manufacturing, system integration, quality control, and customer support will be shortlisted,” the EOI document specifies.
Oversight, Timeline & Financial Commitment
The ADA will spearhead and monitor the execution of this project. According to the tender, the chosen industry partner must establish a dedicated manufacturing facility, setting the stage for future serial production of the AMCA.
Key deadlines include:
- Pre-EOI Briefing: First week of July 2025
- Submission Deadline: 16 August 2025
- Prototype Flight: Targeted by 2029
- Full Development Completion: 2034
- Production Rollout: Expected by 2035
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had earlier cleared the AMCA’s design and development phase in 2023, allocating approximately ₹15,000 crore for the initial phase, which includes the construction of five twin-engine prototypes.
Big Names Likely to Join the Race
With the field wide open, several leading Indian companies are expected to throw their hat into the ring. These include:
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Adani Defence and Aerospace
- Mahindra Defence Systems
Though HAL is no longer the automatic frontrunner, it remains a formidable contender given its deep legacy and technical know-how.
A Bold Step Toward Defence Self-Reliance
The AMCA is envisioned as a 25-tonne, swing-role, fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft, capable of executing both air-dominance and precision strike missions. Its key features include:
- Internal weapons bays to reduce radar cross-section
- Stealth shaping and composite materials
- Supercruise capability—flying at supersonic speeds without afterburners
- 360-degree situational awareness via advanced sensor fusion
- Next-generation avionics, mission computers, and electronic warfare suites
The AMCA will be developed in two distinct phases:
- AMCA Mk-1: Equipped with the American F-414 engine, forming the initial two squadrons.
- AMCA Mk-2: Powered by a more powerful, indigenously developed engine, likely in collaboration with a foreign OEM. This version will complete the planned six squadrons, totalling around 120 aircraft.
By 2035, the AMCA is expected to become the mainstay of India’s air combat fleet, replacing ageing aircraft and enhancing India’s airpower to meet 21st-century warfare needs.
Turning Down Foreign Offers
India’s decision to go ahead with its indigenous stealth fighter comes despite multiple international offers. The United States had expressed willingness to offer the F-35 Lightning II, while Russia proposed co-developing the Su-57 stealth fighter on Indian soil. However, India has made a strategic choice to prioritise self-reliance, focusing on Atmanirbharta (self-dependence) in defence manufacturing.
A Defining Moment for India’s Aerospace Industry
This is not merely a tender—it’s a historic opportunity. The AMCA project could revolutionise India’s aerospace sector, enabling a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem, cutting down dependency on imports, and creating skilled employment across multiple verticals.
By engaging private players in a project of this scale, India aims to create next-generation capabilities domestically while ensuring that the defence forces remain future-ready in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
More importantly, the AMCA is not just about building a fighter jet—it symbolises India’s strategic autonomy, industrial maturity, and technological aspirations on the global stage.
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