The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the nodal agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for designing India’s combat aircraft, has initiated a significant recruitment drive to strengthen the human resource backbone of its flagship projects.
In a notification released on 19 December 2025, the agency announced openings for programme-based manpower to accelerate the execution of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
This hiring push comes at a critical juncture for Indian aerospace.
With the Tejas Mk2 entering the prototype realisation phase—where the design transitions into a physical aircraft—and the AMCA moving into full-scale development following the government's approval of the industry execution model earlier this year, the demand for specialised administrative and technical support has surged.
Recruitment Details and Roles
The notification (Advertisement Reference No. ADA: ADV-136:2025) invites applications for various administrative and technical positions on a fixed-tenure basis.- Tenure: The initial contract is for five years, with provisions for extension based on individual performance and the evolving needs of the projects.
- Positions Offered: The drive covers multiple support roles, including Project Admin Assistant, Project Senior Admin Assistant, Project Admin Officer, Project Technical Assistant, and Project Senior Technical Assistant.
- Eligibility: Candidates must be between the ages of 35 and 50, possessing relevant experience ranging from 3 to 10 years depending on the specific post.
- Remuneration: Selected candidates will receive monthly gross emoluments between approximately ₹35,000 and ₹60,000, in line with current contractual standards for programme-based roles.
ADA has advised interested professionals to monitor its official website, with the online registration window tentatively scheduled to open on 29 December 2025 at 1000 hours.
Strategic Context: From Design to Execution
This recruitment drive is not merely administrative; it reflects a shift in the operational tempo at ADA.LCA Tejas Mk2
Often described as a 4.5-generation Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), the Tejas Mk2 is designed to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Mirage 2000 and Jaguar fleets.Powered by the GE F414 engine and featuring canards for better manoeuvrability, the Mk2 is currently in the critical phase of prototype assembly.
The influx of new technical and administrative staff is essential to manage the rigorous documentation, supply chain coordination, and testing workflows required to get the first prototype airborne.
AMCA Programme
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft represents India’s leap into the elite club of nations with fifth-generation stealth fighter capabilities.Following the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance and the subsequent approval of the execution model in mid-2025, ADA is now tasked with coordinating a complex web of private and public sector partners.
The AMCA will feature stealth characteristics, internal weapon bays, and supercruise capabilities.
The new workforce will likely assist in managing the transition from the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) to the Critical Design Review (CDR) and metal-cutting phases.
Reinforcing the Backbone
ADA’s move to expand its programme-based workforce underscores the government’s intent to professionalise project management within its research institutions.By bringing in experienced personnel to handle the administrative and technical "heavy lifting," the agency aims to free up its core scientists and designers to focus on the complex engineering challenges of certification and systems integration.
For India’s defence sector, 2026 promises to be a year of tangible milestones.
This recruitment drive ensures that the teams behind the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA are fully staffed and ready to deliver on the nation’s air power ambitions.
