A total of 28 private sector firms have expressed interest in partnering with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with a shortlist expected by September 30, HAL chairman DK Sunil said on Sunday.
HAL has formed a dedicated committee to evaluate the responses and select a maximum of two companies to form a consortium for the project. The shortlisted partners will join HAL in executing one of the most strategically significant defence initiatives in the country.
Industry Participation and Evaluation
The firms responded to a recent HAL tender seeking private sector participation in the AMCA programme. The committee is assessing them based on technical capabilities, prior experience, financial strength, and technological expertise. HAL is expected to submit its consortium proposal to the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which oversees the AMCA project under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), before the September 30 deadline.
“The evaluation focuses on capability, technology, financial standing, and prior experience. A consortium can include up to three partners. We are likely to propose one or two private firms to ADA,” Sunil said, noting strong interest from all major Indian aerospace players.
The competitive execution model, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in May, has unlocked opportunities for private companies including Larsen & Toubro, Adani Defence and Aerospace, Mahindra Group, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. The selected entity will be responsible for setting up production facilities, developing prototypes, and supporting flight testing and certification of the AMCA.
Timeline and Technical Details
The first prototype is expected to take flight in 2029, with the AMCA development projected for completion by 2034 and series production to begin a year later. The fighter will weigh around 25 tonnes and feature a swing-role design with enhanced survivability, advanced avionics, internal smart weapons storage, super-cruise capability, top-end mission computers, and 360-degree situational awareness.
The first two squadrons will be equipped with Mk-1 variants powered by American F-414 engines, while the subsequent Mk-2 variants will use an indigenous engine developed through a collaboration between French firm Safran and India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). The project aims for full technology transfer, including intellectual property rights, to India.
Strategic Imperative
Accelerating the AMCA programme is considered crucial in the context of regional air power developments. China has already deployed its J-20 stealth fighters and is testing J-35 models, while Pakistan is exploring acquisitions of advanced stealth aircraft. India’s Air Force plans to deploy around 120 AMCA fighters (six squadrons) from 2035 onwards, reinforcing its long-term modernisation and deterrence strategy.
With HAL leading the programme and private firms joining as partners, the AMCA project represents a landmark step in building India’s domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities, ensuring technological self-reliance while enhancing the nation’s strategic reach.
