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In a transformative move aimed at redefining India’s defence aerospace landscape, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Indian companies for the prototype development of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
What sets this effort apart is a fundamental policy shift: for the first time, private sector firms will compete head-to-head with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to develop a frontline combat jet — ending a decades-long public sector monopoly.
A Structural Break from the Past
This decision signals more than just a new aircraft program — it’s a recalibration of India’s defence production paradigm. By opening the project to the private sector, the Ministry of Defence aims to catalyse innovation, competitiveness, and capacity building within India’s aerospace industry.
Firms like Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra Aerospace, and Adani Defence are now eligible to bid, either independently or through consortia, to design and produce five AMCA prototypes.
“This marks a paradigm shift. There are no automatic frontrunners anymore. The contract will go to those who demonstrate capability, not legacy,” said a senior official familiar with the execution model.
The approved plan envisions an ambitious eight-year timeline for development, testing, and certification. The first prototype is targeted for 2028, with full-rate production expected by 2035. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to induct seven squadrons: two of the Mark 1 and five of the more advanced Mark 2 variants.
Strategic Imperative in a Shifting Security Environment
The AMCA program is unfolding against the backdrop of rising regional instability and a shifting airpower balance in South Asia.
China is reportedly fast-tracking the deployment of its stealth J-35A fighters to Pakistan, raising concerns in New Delhi about an impending stealth asymmetry across the western border. Additionally, China’s unveiling of sixth-generation designs — the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-50 — has injected further urgency into India’s need for a stealth-capable, fast-reacting, domestically-controlled fighter.
Tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and violations of the ceasefire agreement on the western front with Pakistan have underscored the strategic necessity of an indigenous next-generation fighter.
The Engine Conundrum: Powering India’s Future
One of the most critical decisions for the AMCA project will be its engine choice — a recurring pain point in India’s aerospace journey. General Electric’s F414 engine will initially power the Mark 1 variant, but India is seeking greater control and co-ownership of technology for the Mark 2.
Three contenders have emerged:
- Safran (France): Offers joint development of a 110-kN engine with full technology transfer and shared intellectual property — a potential breakthrough for strategic autonomy.
- Rolls-Royce (UK): Proposes a co-development model with complete IP ownership and long-term collaboration on naval and unmanned propulsion systems.
- General Electric (USA): Still in the race with its proven F414 series, though trust issues remain from past delays in the Tejas program.
The outcome of this choice will significantly influence not only the aircraft’s performance but also India’s future ability to export high-end defence platforms independently.
Building an Aerospace Ecosystem, Not Just a Fighter
Unlike legacy models where HAL was the default manufacturer, the AMCA process is competitive and merit-based. The EOI mandates that only technically capable and financially robust Indian firms will be shortlisted.
Applicants — whether standalone entities, joint ventures, or consortia — must prove end-to-end capability in design absorption, systems integration, prototyping, quality assurance, and advanced manufacturing.
This approach is designed to lay the foundation for a broader aerospace and defence industrial base — including future spinoffs in stealth drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and export-oriented variants.
“The goal isn’t just to build a fighter. It’s to build an industry,” said a senior official. “This is about sovereign control over critical technologies — composites, radar systems, stealth coatings, avionics, mission systems, and engines.”
What Lies Ahead
The deadline for EOI submission is August 16, with the selection process expected to conclude by early 2026. The path forward will involve complex engineering, global technology partnerships, high-value contracts, and rigorous flight-testing protocols.
More than a defence program, AMCA is emerging as a litmus test for India’s aspirations to be a self-reliant aerospace power capable of building fifth-generation platforms indigenously and competing in global markets.
Huma Siddiqui
