New Delhi : Ministry of Defence has officially issued AMCA fighter jet tenders to three shortlisted private-sector consortiums for building prototypes of the country’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. The move is seen as a major step toward strengthening the Indian Air Force and boosting India’s self-reliance in advanced defence technology. What Is the AMCA Fighter Jet Project? The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s planned fifth-generation stealth fighter jet program being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency under the Ministry of Defence. Read also: Indian Navy Accelerates Indigenous TEDBF Programme, Eyes CCS Approval and AMCA Consortium for Next-Gen Carrier Fighters The aircraft is expected to feature: Stealth technology Advanced radar systems Internal weapons bay Supercruise capability AI-assisted combat systems Multi-role combat functions The AMCA program is designed mainly for the Indian Air Force and is expected to become one of India’s most advanced military aviation projects. Details of AMCA Fighter Jet Tenders According to reports, the Ministry of Defence has issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) to three shortlisted industry teams: Tata Advanced Systems Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Electronics Limited consortium Bharat Forge and BEML consortium These companies are expected to compete for the prototype development phase of the stealth fighter program. Why the AMCA Project Is Important for India The AMCA project is considered critical for India’s long-term air combat capability. Key Strategic Benefits Reduces dependence on foreign fighter jets Strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem Encourages private sector participation in military aviation Supports the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative Enhances India’s strategic air superiority India currently operates fighter aircraft from multiple countries, including Russia and France. The AMCA aims to create a fully indigenous next-generation platform. AMCA Fighter Jet Tenders: HAL Not Included in Initial Shortlist Public sector aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was reportedly not included in the initial shortlist for the prototype development phase. Industry experts believe the government wants stronger private-sector participation to speed up development timelines and improve manufacturing efficiency. However, HAL may still play a role in future production and integration stages of the AMCA program. Prototype Development Timeline Official defence planning suggests: Prototype development work could begin soon after contract finalisation Five AMCA prototypes are expected to be developed Prototype flights are targeted around 2032 Full-scale induction may begin by 2035 Reports also suggest a new testing and development facility may be set up in Andhra Pradesh for the project. India’s Push for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing The AMCA fighter jet program is part of India’s broader strategy to increase domestic defence production. Over the last few years, the government has focused on: Indigenous fighter jets Drone technology Missile systems Naval platforms Electronic warfare systems The government has repeatedly stated that India aims to become a major global defence manufacturing hub in the coming years. Read also: HAL Denies Reports of AMCA Exit, Confirms No Formal Intimation on Fifth-Generation Fighter Project
