India's ambition to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet has reached a major milestone, with eleven of the nation's leading private and public sector companies expressing interest in building the aircraft.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which leads the project, has received responses from corporate giants including the Tata Group, Infosys, and Larsen & Toubro for the design and engineering of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
This overwhelming industry response signals a new era of public-private partnership in Indian defence manufacturing. It highlights a strategic shift towards leveraging the country's diverse industrial strength to achieve self-reliance in critical military technology under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
The AMCA is India’s flagship program to develop a state-of-the-art, multi-role combat aircraft. Designed for the Indian Air Force, the jet will possess advanced stealth capabilities to remain undetected by enemy radar, the ability to travel at supersonic speeds without afterburners (a feature known as supercruise), and next-generation electronics.
The project recently received crucial clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which approved its full-scale development, paving the way for production.
The Expression of Interest (EoI) specifically invited companies to participate in creating the jet's airframe - the aircraft's main body and skeletal structure, which is vital for its stealth performance and structural strength in combat.
The development of the AMCA is expected to follow a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, where the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and private firms will form a joint venture to manage the complex production process.
The list of respondents showcases the wide range of expertise required for such a technologically advanced project. It includes:
- IT and Software Leaders: Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Tata Elxsi, which will contribute to the aircraft's complex software, mission systems, and digital architecture.
- Engineering and Manufacturing Stalwarts: L&T Technology Services, BEML Ltd, and MTAR Technologies, which bring decades of experience in precision and heavy engineering.
- Specialised Aerospace and Defence Firms: Companies like Azista Composites, known for advanced lightweight materials essential for stealth, along with Cyient, VEM Technologies, Neometrix Defence, and Apollo Micro Systems, which provide niche solutions in defence electronics and systems integration.
The successful collaboration on the AMCA will depend on merging these different capabilities—from advanced materials and precision manufacturing to cutting-edge digital technologies.
This project is not just about building a fighter jet; it is about creating a robust industrial base for future aerospace and defence endeavours.
