The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), operating under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has revised the timeline for submitting bids for the Expression of Interest (EoI) regarding the Full-Scale Engineering Development (FSED) of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The original deadline of August 16, 2025, has been pushed back to August 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
This change comes with an updated EoI document, designated as ADA/AMCA/FSED/EOI/01-2025, released on June 18, 2025. The document includes modifications across several sections—namely 2.1, 2.2, 6, and associated annexures—reflecting a refined scope, eligibility criteria, and collaborative models related to India’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter program.
The AMCA initiative is focused on creating a twin-engine, 25-tonne multirole fighter intended to meet the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the early 2030s. Designed to effectively counter advanced Chinese stealth aircraft, such as the J-20 and J-31, the AMCA is expected to incorporate technologies such as supercruise capability, a low radar cross-section, integrated sensor fusion, and compatibility with unmanned systems. The initial Mk1 variant will utilize GE F414 engines providing 98 kN thrust, while the Mk2 variant aims to feature a new 110 kN indigenous engine developed in partnership with foreign firms, including potentially France’s Safran.
In March 2024, significant funding was authorized with a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval for ₹15,000 crore, covering Phase 1 of the AMCA project. This initial phase will facilitate the development of five prototypes by 2029, with serial production projected to kick off in 2032. The IAF anticipates inducting approximately 120 to 150 aircraft to replace its aging Mirage 2000 and Jaguar fleets. The overall estimated cost for this monumental project stands at around ₹1.2 lakh crore, reinforcing its status as one of India’s key defence undertakings.
The EoI actively encourages participation from the Indian private sector during the FSED stage, which encompasses design finalization, prototype fabrication, testing, and preparations for mass production. Industry interest has reportedly been robust, with contenders such as Tata Advanced Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Forge, and L&T expected to vie for involvement. Sources indicate that the deadline extension was prompted by requests from industry stakeholders seeking additional time to align with the recently revised project scope.
The amendments to the EoI extend beyond mere deadlines; they also address various aspects such as the scope of work, eligibility criteria, commercial terms, and annexures. These adjustments aim to clarify technical deliverables, optimize partnerships, and improve frameworks for technology transfer and risk-sharing. Notable updates are anticipated regarding the integration of stealth coatings, the DRDO’s Uttam AESA radar, and sophisticated avionics developed by the LRDE.
Despite its ambitious goals, the AMCA program confronts several challenges, particularly in engine development, sensor fusion, and stealth technology. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), which faced significant hurdles with the Kaveri engine, is now striving for global collaboration to meet the engine demands for the AMCA. Lessons learned from the extended development cycle of the Tejas fighter are also being integrated into the new program design to avoid prior pitfalls.
The extended EoI deadline and the accompanying amendments signify a strategic initiative to engage capable private partners and ensure the timely development of India’s next-generation fighter jet.
