The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) are preparing to choose industry partners for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program by mid-2026, representing a significant milestone in the country’s ambition to develop a fifth-generation fighter jet.
The AMCA program aims to produce India’s first stealth multi-role fighter, proficient in air superiority, ground attacks, electronic warfare, and the suppression of enemy air defenses. The serial production of the aircraft is targeted for 2035, with plans for five prototypes. The debut prototype is expected to be unveiled by late 2026 or early 2027, followed by its first flight in 2028. The aircraft’s certification is slated for 2032, leading to operational induction by 2034.
Seven Indian firms and consortia have submitted proposals under the ADA’s Expression of Interest (EoI). Among the contenders are key players such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), TATA Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), Adani Defence and Aerospace, Kalyani Strategic Systems, and a consortium led by BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd, complemented by partners Goodluck India Ltd and Axiscades Technologies. These firms are aiming to form strategic partnerships to enhance their capabilities in areas like airframe manufacturing, avionics, propulsion, and systems integration.
Evaluating the submissions is a high-level committee led by A. Sivathanu Pillai, a former DRDO missile scientist. The committee assesses bids based on criteria such as technical expertise, financial health, and the ability to adhere to strict timelines. The outcome of this selection process will finalize the consortiums that will jointly develop the AMCA prototypes, manage flight testing, and oversee preparation for mass production.
This initiative marks a transformative shift in India’s aerospace industry, venturing from a predominantly state-driven manufacturing model to a framework that emphasizes private sector involvement. The AMCA program is poised to enhance domestic capabilities, decrease reliance on imports, and strategically position India within the global landscape of fifth-generation fighter jets.
The announcement of the selected partners by mid-2026 will lay the groundwork for India’s next-generation stealth fighter, which bears considerable strategic and industrial significance for the country’s defense capabilities.
