The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has taken a significant step forward in India’s defense technology landscape by releasing an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This move signals a renewed push to bolster the Indian Air Force and Navy with cutting-edge indigenous capabilities amid rising global security challenges.

The AMCA project, initially conceptualized in 2010, has faced delays but is now gaining momentum under a newly approved execution model by the Ministry of Defence. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for July 4, 2025, with bids set to open from August 18, 2025. This timeline reflects a strategic shift toward involving private sector expertise, moving away from the traditional reliance on public sector entities like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Only Indian companies—owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens—with the requisite technical capabilities are eligible to submit bids. The applicant can be a single company, a joint venture, or a consortium compliant with Indian laws and regulations. Preference will be given to reputed Indian firms experienced in the aerospace and defence sectors that can absorb the AMCA design and have demonstrated capability in areas such as development, engineering, manufacturing, integration, testing, quality assurance, and customer support.

The shortlisted entity must also have the capacity to establish a dedicated manufacturing facility for series production. The development contract—including prototyping, flight testing, and certification—is strictly limited to eight years from the effective date. No requests for extensions or delayed submissions will be entertained, and incomplete or inadequately detailed proposals will be rejected without explanation. Additionally, mere compliance with the EoI does not ensure shortlisting.

The AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine, all-weather, multirole stealth fighter. Designed with advanced stealth and combat capabilities, it is being developed as a domestic counterpart to global platforms like the F-35. A key component of the project is India’s ongoing partnership with France’s Safran for the development of a high-thrust engine.

To ensure efficient implementation, a high-level committee chaired by the Defence Secretary—with representatives from ADA and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—is overseeing the roadmap from design to deployment. A detailed report was submitted in April 2025 to streamline timelines and budget adherence. With prototype costs estimated at ₹1,000 crore each, any cost overruns must be reported directly to the Cabinet Committee on Security, reflecting the project’s strategic significance.

The AMCA initiative marks a pivotal moment for India’s defense sector, combining domestic innovation with selective global partnerships to boost national security and technological sovereignty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has categorically denied any third-party involvement in the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, dismissing former US President Donald Trump’s claims of having mediated the truce. In a 35-minute phone conversation with Trump, Modi clarified that the decision to suspend Operation Sindoor was a result of direct military communication between Indian and Pakistani forces and not due to any external pressure or negotiation.

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who released a video statement on X, Modi told Trump unequivocally that there had been no discussion on either a trade deal or US mediation during the course of Operation Sindoor. “India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it,” Modi told Trump, reaffirming India’s long-standing diplomatic stance.

Tensions between the two nations had escalated following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, prompting India to launch retaliatory precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan responded with failed attempts to strike Indian military installations over the next few days, leading to a sustained exchange of fire.

The ceasefire came after direct communication between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, initiated at Pakistan’s request, Modi informed Trump. He also emphasized that India now views cross-border terror attacks as acts of war, not mere proxy actions.

Trump, who is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir over lunch in Washington on Wednesday, had repeatedly asserted that US diplomatic efforts and trade negotiations played a role in de-escalating the conflict. “If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India… we settled that,” Trump had claimed, suggesting US intervention stopped the fighting.

India, however, maintains that Operation Sindoor has only been suspended and that vigilance on Pakistan continues. Trump’s statements have previously sparked political debate in India, with opposition parties questioning Modi’s silence on the issue. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked that mediation was impossible between “terrorists and their victims,” countering Trump’s narrative.

During the phone call, Trump also extended an invitation to Modi for a meeting during his US visit, which Modi declined due to prior commitments. Both leaders, however, agreed to meet at a later date.

European defense and aerospace giant Indra has entered into a strategic partnership with Indian technology firm AXISCADES to jointly produce advanced systems for the aerospace and defense sectors in India. The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget by Indra CEO José Vicente de los Mozos and AXISCADES Chairman Dr. Sampath Ravinarayanan, in the presence of senior leadership from both companies.

As part of this collaboration, AXISCADES will leverage its comprehensive design, development, and supply chain capabilities to manufacture a range of Indra products in India. These include antennas for Tactical Air Navigation Systems (TACAN), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) for aircraft in-flight data, and sophisticated countermeasure systems designed to defend against missile threats such as MANPADS.

The alliance not only enhances Indra’s global footprint and network of defense partners but also strengthens India’s position as a manufacturing hub for next-generation defense technologies. This move is in line with the Indian government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, promoting self-reliance in defense production.

The two companies are also exploring joint development opportunities for both domestic and international markets, including potential collaborations on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) solutions and specialized partnerships for DRDO’s CABS MRMR and MMMA programs.

Indra, with a long-standing presence in India, has previously contributed to modernizing civil air traffic management and supplying key systems to the Indian Armed Forces. AXISCADES, a homegrown leader in aerospace and defense technology, brings over two decades of expertise and a strong portfolio of engineering and production services, making it an ideal partner for such global ventures.

In a major boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure has partnered with France’s Dassault Aviation to produce Falcon 2000 business jets in India. The announcement was made in a joint statement by both companies on Wednesday.

The final assembly line will be set up in Nagpur, Maharashtra, marking the first time Dassault will manufacture Falcon 2000 jets outside France. The move is part of a growing trend of defense and aerospace collaboration between India and France, and is expected to strengthen India’s domestic aviation capabilities under the Make in India initiative.

According to the companies, the first made-in-India jets are expected to be delivered by 2028, targeting both corporate and military applications. The Falcon 2000 is known for its long-range capabilities, modern avionics, and versatility in various mission profiles.

The announcement led to a sharp reaction in the stock market, with Reliance Infrastructure shares rising by 5% in afternoon trading following the news. Industry analysts see this development as a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global aerospace hub, with potential implications for high-skill employment, technology transfer, and export potential.

In a rare and symbolic gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu met today with a group of senior military leaders, including current and former Chiefs of the Indian Army. The meeting featured Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi alongside former Chiefs General VP Malik, General NC Vij, General JJ Singh, General Deepak Kapoor, General Bikram Singh, and General Manoj Pande.

Held in the stately conference room of the President’s official residence, adorned with national flags and historic artwork, the session underscored a significant convergence of military insight and strategic leadership. The gathering comes a day after a classified briefing on Operation Sindoor, in which General Dwivedi apprised the retired Chiefs on recent developments related to India’s defense posture.

While specific details of the discussion remain undisclosed, the presence of General VP Malik—who led the Army during the 1999 Kargil War—suggests that past operational experience is being actively drawn upon to inform current security strategies, particularly with regard to ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, a symbol of India’s democratic and military heritage, continues to play a central role in key national security consultations. The meeting reinforces the tradition of institutional memory and continuity in defense planning, with India’s top military minds collaborating to address evolving regional and global threats.