New Delhi: In a decisive move to bolster its indigenous fighter aircraft development programs, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has launched an expansive talent hiring drive aimed at accelerating the prototyping of the LCA TEJAS Mk-2 and the full-scale development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
This recruitment initiative arrives at a critical stage in India’s aerospace ambitions, as both programs transition from design phases into hands-on manufacture, testing, and system integration — demanding enhanced project coordination, technical expertise, and operational support.
Key Details of TEJAS Mk-2 AMCA Hiring Drive
On 19 December 2025, ADA released Notification No. ADA: ADV-136:2025, announcing a program-based hiring initiative designed to strengthen the agency’s workforce for high-priority indigenous fighter programs.
The drive targets professionals in administrative and technical support roles — particularly those experienced in project management, documentation workflows, testing protocols, and coordination across multidisciplinary defence projects.
The strategy is to free core scientists and engineers to focus on advanced development work while support staff streamline ancillary but mission-critical functions.
Major Positions in TEJAS Mk-2 AMCA Hiring Drive
Positions offered include;
- Project Admin Assistant
- Project Senior Admin Assistant
- Project Admin Officer
- Project Technical Assistant
- Project Senior Technical Assistant
All positions are offered on fixed-term contracts with an initial tenure of five years, extendable based on performance and evolving project requirements.
Eligibility and Compensation
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be between the ages of 35 and 50
- Possess 3 to 10 years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrate strong administrative or technical competencies suited to complex defence projects
Compensation: Packages range from ₹35,000 to ₹60,000 per month — competitive for program-based contract roles in India’s research and development ecosystem.
The starting date of Applications: The applications are expected to open via the official ADA website on 29 December 2025 at 10:00 hrs IST, with candidates advised to monitor updates closely.
TEJAS Mk-2: Moving From Blueprints to Flying Prototypes
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS Mk-2 program represents a major evolutionary leap for India’s indigenous fighter fleet — designed as a 4.5-generation medium weight fighter that will replace ageing assets such as the Mirage-2000 and Jaguar.
Powered by a GE F414 engine and enhanced with aerodynamic refinements including canards for improved manoeuvrability, TEJAS Mk-2 is steadily progressing toward physical prototype assembly.
According to industry updates:
- Over 60% of the TEJAS Mk-2 prototype structure — including the integrated centre fuselage and wings — has already been manufactured at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) facility in Bengaluru.
- The prototype rollout was expected between November and December 2025.
- Following structural assembly, ground tests are anticipated through March 2026, setting the stage for the first flight by Q1 2026 (April–July), slightly shifted due to avionics integration work.
AMCA: India’s Leap into Fifth-Generation Stealth Capability
While TEJAS Mk-2 advances, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) — India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter program — enters an equally critical phase of full-scale developmental activity.
Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) earlier in 2025, the AMCA program is designed to:
- Provide advanced stealth features, including S-shaped intakes, internal weapons bays, and supercruise performance
- Integrate cutting-edge avionics and sensor fusion systems
- Significantly boost India’s air-dominance capabilities against evolving regional threats and global competitors.
Timeline of Tejas MK-2 Prototype Program
According to official timelines:
- Prototype rollout is expected by late 2026 / early 2027
- The first flight is targeted for 2028
- Certification by 2032
- Service induction around 2034–2035 — marking a major milestone in India’s defence aviation innovation.
The AMCA’s progression also relies increasingly on public-private industry partnerships, expanding roles for private Indian aerospace firms alongside HAL and ADA.
Strategic Importance of TEJAS Mk-2 AMCA Hiring Drive
ADA’s recruitment strategy reflects broader policy priorities:
1. Mitigating Project Delays
By adding skilled administrative and technical staff, ADA aims to mitigate bureaucratic slowdowns — a common challenge in large-scale defence projects — ensuring tighter adherence to development schedules.
2. Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat Goals
The initiative aligns with the Indian government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision, enhancing domestic aerospace capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
3. Strengthening Defence Readiness
Both TEJAS Mk-2 and AMCA are crucial to the Indian Air Force’s modernization roadmap, augmenting squadron strength and combat readiness in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
