NEW DELHI: In a major step towards developing India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, the defence ministry on Wednesday issued a request for proposal (RFP) to three shortlisted private firms for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Once developed, the AMCA is expected to rival advanced stealth fighters such as the US-made F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Su-57.
The prototype development phase of the AMCA project has been allocated a budget of Rs 15,000 crore.
The AMCA is envisioned as a medium-weight, multi-role, twin-engine stealth fighter aircraft designed to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
In a first for a major fighter jet programme, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been kept out of the project. HAL is currently engaged in the 4.5-generation Tejas fighter programme and is also handling two major pending Tejas orders from the IAF.
The shortlisted bidders for the AMCA programme are Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen and Toubro in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited.
Following the submission of responses to the RFP, the selection process is expected to conclude within four to five months. According to the RFP timeline, the bidding process will begin on June 11, with final submissions due by the end of next month. The bids are scheduled to be opened on July 28.
The selected private defence company will work alongside the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which functions under the defence ministry, to develop five AMCA prototypes. The Indian Air Force has been strongly backing the programme due to its long-term operational requirements.
The aircraft will be developed under the design and technical expertise of DRDO’s ADA. Under the RFP conditions, the selected bidder will also support flight testing and type certification activities for the aircraft.
The first AMCA prototype is expected to be completed by early 2027, while its maiden flight is likely to take place between 2028 and 2029. Serial production is expected to begin in the mid-2030s.
After receiving clearance for the prototype phase and approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security, the AMCA will be manufactured at the upcoming Integration and Flight Testing Complex in Andhra Pradesh. The foundation stone for the facility was recently laid by defence minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The AMCA is expected to feature advanced capabilities including super-cruise, internal weapons bays and artificial intelligence-enabled systems. The aircraft is projected to have an operational ceiling of 55,000 feet and carry up to 1,500 kg of weapons internally, along with an additional 5,500 kg externally.
On May 27, 2025, the defence minister approved the execution model for the AMCA programme involving private sector participation. Expressions of interest from private firms were invited nearly 20 days later.
