India Opens Bidding to Private Sector for 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Project
The Indian government has finalized a development plan for the stealth fighter jet AMCA which includes private companies along with HAL in the project. The initiative seeks to speed up development processes and improve the domestic aerospace sector.
India Opens Bidding to Private Sector for 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Project
The AMCA program authorization lets private aerospace companies collaborate with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to develop India's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.
The newly approved framework by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh aims to speed up AMCA development by bringing in more Indian aerospace industry partners and moves away from HAL's exclusive control over fighter jet production.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will steer the aircraft development project by working together with industry partners. The defence ministry announced that an expression of interest for AMCA development will be released shortly.
What is AMCA?
The AMCA will function as a dual-engine combat aircraft with medium weight and multirole capabilities while integrating stealth technology through a stealth airframe, internal weapon storage, sensor fusion technology and supercruise functionality.
The aircraft will execute deep penetration missions and close combat operations while supporting swing-role functions and precision strikes through its equipment of future-ready missiles and standoff weapons.
The AMCA weighs around 25 tonnes and aims to boost India’s air force capabilities and strategic independence. The AMCA will become a key component of the Indian Air Force (IAF) alongside the Tejas light combat aircraft because the IAF presently does not have an operational fifth-generation fighter.
Strategic significance and timeline
India’s advancement into fifth-generation fighter technology alongside US, Russia, and China demonstrates its increased defence objectives as regional security threats evolve.
In March 2024 the Cabinet Committee on Security provided initial approval for the AMCA programme which requires approximately ₹15,000 crore for development.
Boosting Atmanirbharta in aerospace
The Defence Ministry asserts this execution model represents a fundamental milestone in advancing Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) within India’s aerospace industry.
The government intends to strengthen the domestic defence industrial base by utilizing indigenous expertise and capacity through competitive bidding opportunities for Indian companies.
The ADA will release an Expression of Interest to initiate the bidding process for the development phase which marks a new milestone in India’s development of indigenous fighter technology.
