India’s effort to develop its first homegrown fifth-generation stealth fighter has entered a key stage after the Defence Ministry released a Request for Proposal for prototype work on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme.
The AMCA initiative, seen as the country’s main indigenous stealth aircraft effort, is intended to form the core of the Indian Air Force’s future combat strength while lowering reliance on overseas fighter jets.
Three shortlisted groups are competing for the project. They are Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen and Toubro together with Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge with BEML. The step marks greater involvement of private companies in major defence and aerospace work.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which has usually led such military aircraft programmes, is not taking part after being excluded earlier.
The AMCA is planned as a fifth-generation stealth aircraft equipped with internal weapons bays, supercruise ability and advanced avionics for network-centric operations. It is also meant to support India’s long-term goal of building a self-reliant defence industry.
Officials expect the aircraft to enter service around 2035 because of the time needed for development, testing and integration. The programme will require prototype flights, stealth checks, engine work and weapons trials before induction into the air force.
If successful, the project would place India among the few nations able to design and produce advanced stealth fighters domestically.
