- Views: 187
- Replies: 1
In a major step forward for India's indigenous military aviation programme, leading national defence and engineering firms have submitted proposals to partner with the government on the development of the futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The deadline for the Expression of Interest (EoI) concluded on September 30, marking the start of a new phase for India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project.
The AMCA is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and represents a significant leap in India's quest for self-reliance in defence technology.
Envisioned as a twin-engine, multi-role stealth aircraft, the AMCA is designed with advanced features like supercruise (the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners), highly advanced avionics, and sensor data fusion.
The initial design and development phase of this flagship programme is estimated to cost ₹15,000 crore. Once inducted, the AMCA will join the Indian Air Force's fleet alongside the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and the indigenous Tejas LCA, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities.
According to defence officials, the bids received from the industry will now be carefully evaluated by a high-level committee. This committee is chaired by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, the renowned scientist celebrated for his leadership as the former head of BrahMos Aerospace, the successful India-Russia missile joint venture. His expertise is considered vital for assessing the technical and strategic capabilities of the applicants.
The committee's task is to scrutinise each proposal in detail before submitting a comprehensive report and its final recommendations to the Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry will then make the final decision on selecting a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) partner, ensuring the chosen company or consortium has the necessary technological expertise and financial stability to contribute effectively to this critical national project.
Several of India's most prominent industrial houses are in contention.
Engineering conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has formed a strategic partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a state-owned enterprise specialising in defence electronics.
This collaboration combines L&T's extensive experience in complex engineering and manufacturing with BEL's leadership in radar, communication, and electronic warfare systems.
Another major contender is the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the country's premier aerospace manufacturer.
With decades of experience producing aircraft like the Su-30MKI and leading the Tejas LCA programme, HAL's involvement could ensure seamless integration with existing aerospace manufacturing infrastructure.
Additionally, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has also entered the race, forming a consortium with other private companies to leverage their collective strengths in manufacturing and ground support systems.
The enthusiastic response from both public and private sector giants highlights the growing maturity of India's defence industrial base under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
The AMCA project is not only crucial for maintaining the Indian Air Force's technological edge but is also expected to position India among the elite group of nations with the capability to design and manufacture fifth-generation combat aircraft.
While the evaluation process gets underway, the project is awaiting final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Officials are optimistic that the selection of an industrial partner will accelerate the development timeline, with the goal of rolling out the first prototype in the coming years and beginning flight trials by the late 2020s.
