The Defense Research and Development Agency (DRDO) Aviation Development Agency (ADA) may issue expressions of interest in a few weeks to invite bids to select a production partner for the 5.5 generation advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) as the first prototype is scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
Sources say the expression of interest issued by the ADA is expected to leverage the emerging Indigenous aerospace sector and provide an opportunity to enter the manufacturing and supply chain of 5.5 generation stealth AMCA.
Some similar Indian companies, including Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), L&T, Mahindra Aerospace, Dynamatic Technologies, Bharat Forge, Sansera Engineering, Azad Engineering, Aequs, and Godrej Aerospace, already offer world-class body parts, systems, subsystems and air clubs with key ingredients.
Other global aerospace companies Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Collins Aerospace are also expanding their supply from India.
On May 26, Defense Minister Rajnassin cleared the programme to begin production of the AMCA through the private participation of maidens in order to overcome the much-anticipated lack of capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
The announcement revealed that only indigenous companies, including non-governmental companies, can pitch AMCA bids, but they can freely form joint ventures with other entities or enter a consortium.
The ADA devised the project, selecting production partners and leading the programme for the initial production of five prototypes of the next common stealth aircraft. Orders will continue depending on the outcome.
To prepare for a public-private partnership, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was seeking proposals from Indigenous companies last year to put together a model for the future rapid manufacturing of aerospace platforms, as it is facing the first time in a race to obtain a license to manufacture IAF fighter aircraft.
Currently, HAL needs to assess 24 responses it has received from Indigenous businesses to form a consortium bidding on the AMCA program.
HAL will become the lead partner, but other players will be finalists based on their own experience and financial strength will be fair depending on the money they invest, sources said.
They also notified the Ministry of Defense about its report on March 3rd, the Indian Air Force Capacity Strengthening Committee (IAF), led by Secretary of Defense Rajesh Kumar Singh, on its 3rd March, and about it before submitting a report to achieve the IAF’s desired capacity building targets in the “optimal way”.
The state-owned enterprises also proposed an ambition to open up for civilian participation in the manufacture of fighter jets to promote the entire process and enhance the domestic aerospace ecosystem.
In fact, HAL is already experimenting with public-private partnerships. The Tejas LCA MK-1A aircraft, which was first built with private participation, will be ready for some time.
Therefore, the first centre fuselage assembly of the LCA MK-1A was handed over to Hyderabad by VEM Technologies in Hyderabad on May 30, but the rear fuselage is being done by Alpha Tocol.
Vertical fins and radar are outsourced to TASL, while wings are outsourced to L&T. Besides, there are others who have contributed to the development of Tejas Jet.
Released on June 1, 2025
