Indian Private Sector Giants Infosys, TCS, LTTS, Cyient Enter Fray for AMCA Airframe Design, Signaling Defence Ecosystem Shift

In a development highlighting a significant evolution in India's defence manufacturing landscape, four prominent Indian technology firms have successfully passed a crucial technical evaluation for the detailed design and engineering of the airframe for India's first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The companies involved are Infosys Limited, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Limited, L&T Technology Services (LTTS) Limited, and Cyient Limited.

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is envisioned as a single-seat, twin-engine fighter jet capable of operating in all weather conditions and performing multiple combat roles. Its development is being managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an entity under the Ministry of Defence, with the primary user intended to be the Indian Air Force.

The aircraft is slated to incorporate sophisticated features such as advanced stealth technology to minimize detectability, the capacity for 'supercruise' (supersonic flight without the use of afterburners), thrust vectoring for enhanced manoeuvrability, and an internal weapons bay. The successful creation of the AMCA aims to place India among a select group of nations possessing advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft technology.

During the technical evaluation phase, the companies' expertise in high-level engineering, comprehensive design analysis, and critical digital solutions was meticulously assessed. These capabilities are vital for the development of the AMCA's airframe, which is planned to be constructed with a significant proportion – between 60% and 80% by weight – of carbon-fibre composites (C-FC). This advanced material selection is intended to enhance the aircraft's structural strength, reduce its overall weight, and improve its maintainability.

The participation of these major private technology companies, traditionally recognized for their contributions to information technology and general engineering services, signifies a transformative shift in India's defence ecosystem. This move fosters greater collaboration between established defence public sector undertakings (PSUs), like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and private enterprises.

Infosys Limited, a globally recognized IT services company headquartered in Bangalore, brings its substantial experience in digital transformation and engineering solutions powered by artificial intelligence. The company has prior involvement in the aerospace sector through projects with international aviation leaders such as Boeing and Airbus, and is expected to contribute advanced design and simulation capabilities to the AMCA program.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a key part of the Tata Group conglomerate, will leverage its extensive global aerospace experience. This background includes providing engineering services to renowned international corporations like Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover. TCS’s specialized Centers of Excellence dedicated to Aero Structures and Avionics are poised to support the complex design requirements of the AMCA.

L&T Technology Services (LTTS), an engineering services subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Larsen & Toubro, specializes in engineering research and development (ER&D) across diverse sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and the industrial Internet of Things (IoT). LTTS's experience in manufacturing plant engineering and its proficiency with advanced materials make it well-equipped to address the AMCA's stringent structural demands.

Cyient Limited, a Hyderabad-based firm acknowledged for its leadership in aerospace engineering, excels in product lifecycle management and sustainable design approaches. The company reports that its engineering expertise contributes to a notable share of the world’s fuel-efficient aircraft engines. Cyient's proficiency in avionics and digital solutions is anticipated to bolster the technological sophistication of the AMCA.

While these private sector companies bring cutting-edge technological capabilities to the table, some industry observers have pointed out their comparatively limited direct experience in the specific domain of defence airframe manufacturing when contrasted with traditional aerospace firms. However, their successful navigation of the technical evaluation underscores their potential to meet the AMCA program’s rigorous standards through innovation and collaborative partnerships.

The AMCA program, reported to be in its prototype development phase as of February 2025, is considered a cornerstone of India's ongoing defence modernization and self-reliance objectives. The subsequent stages of the bidding process will determine which company, or consortium of companies, will be tasked with leading the detailed design and engineering of the fighter's airframe.

The selected firm(s) will then work in close cooperation with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which currently remains India’s sole entity possessing the comprehensive infrastructure required for the final assembly of fighter jets.

 

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[sanket]

Okay, that's shut the mouth of comedians who were expecting to join other similar kinds of fighter jet projects.

Now only prototype rolling is awaited, nothing else. The next 5 to 6 years are full of excitement and will make it clear where indigenous tech stands compared to these comedian-suggesting KF-21, KAAN, and other fighter jet projects.

Some comedians were fanboys of this fighter jet project, which is not even 4.75 Gen, but yet they suggested joining, while most of the tech components are being imported by these two countries in the name of developing on their own.

Meanwhile, AMCA is being developed indigenously, apart from foreign help in engine development, while all other tech is indigenously developed or being developed.

That's the difference this will make: a complete ecosystem base to launch the 6th Gen 100% indigenous way with 60 to 80% carbon composite by weight, which is slowly being mastered. Further, 90% of components will be indigenous in the AMCA Project, while for the 6th Gen, it will be 100%.

 

[Mayank Jadav]

@sanket
Yes, the upcoming five years are going to be the most exciting ones for us. We are going to see many indigenous systems become a reality. Jai Hind!

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Okay, that's shut the mouth of comedians who were expecting to join other similar kinds of fighter jet projects.

Now only prototype rolling is awaited, nothing else. The next 5 to 6 years are full of excitement and will make it clear where indigenous tech stands compared to these comedian-suggesting KF-21, KAAN, and other fighter jet projects.

Some comedians were fanboys of this fighter jet project, which is not even 4.75 Gen, but yet they suggested joining, while most of the tech components are being imported by these two countries in the name of developing on their own.

Meanwhile, AMCA is being developed indigenously, apart from foreign help in engine development, while all other tech is indigenously developed or being developed.

That's the difference this will make: a complete ecosystem base to launch the 6th Gen 100% indigenous way with 60 to 80% carbon composite by weight, which is slowly being mastered. Further, 90% of components will be indigenous in the AMCA Project, while for the 6th Gen, it will be 100%.

Would still suggest India to join a sixth gen fighter project (European) through a pvt company as Plan B and continue with an indigenous project in parallel.

Indigenous project should be priority always but still we should have an option just in case.

 

[sanket]

Would still suggest India to join a sixth gen fighter project (European) through a pvt company as Plan B and continue with an indigenous project in parallel.

Indigenous project should be priority always but still we should have an option just in case.

Who will fund two projects at the same time? The MRFA circus has been delayed for almost 20 years. Only 36 fighter jets have been able to be bought. If funds were available, then Tejas MK2, TEDBF, and AMCA would have been in the sky. Lack of funds delayed the indigenous development of the aero-engine. Private companies will not invest, that's for sure. The IAF already has a plan for the 6th Gen with an increase in payload and combat range. I think Tempest and FCAS lack that requirement. Both projects will be developed according to participant/stakeholder requirements. With the recent 26 Rafale M deal for ₹63,000 crore and the MRFA circus about to start, plus the aero-engine development project to be signed, followed by GE-414 local mfg, I don't think this 6th Gen project of the Europeans will be funded.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

India should drop the plan for MRFA. This circus has been going on for more than 20 years. Just buy some more Rafaels and invest more in indigenous projects. Involve private sectors, give them funds, and fast-track Tejas and AMCA programmes. Meanwhile, start conceptualising a 6th gen jet also, and most importantly, build our own jet engine. You don't have to invest 25 billion dollars in MRFA anymore. Buy some 36-40 more Rafales and invest the rest of the money in these programmes. India needs a dedicated bomber fleet too, so prioritise these projects.

 

[Harsh]

If AMCA airframe has yet to be designed, what have HAL and ADA been doing for the last 20 years?

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Who will fund two projects at the same time? The MRFA circus has been delayed for almost 20 years. Only 36 fighter jets have been able to be bought. If funds were available, then Tejas MK2, TEDBF, and AMCA would have been in the sky. Lack of funds delayed the indigenous development of the aero-engine. Private companies will not invest, that's for sure. The IAF already has a plan for the 6th Gen with an increase in payload and combat range. I think Tempest and FCAS lack that requirement. Both projects will be developed according to participant/stakeholder requirements. With the recent 26 Rafale M deal for ₹63,000 crore and the MRFA circus about to start, plus the aero-engine development project to be signed, followed by GE-414 local mfg, I don't think this 6th Gen project of the Europeans will be funded.

1. We need to increase our defence budget and defence R&D spending manifold if we need to keep up with technology. The allocations we have now is more of a formality.
2. Private company will easily invest if you actually guarantee enough orders for the platform.
3. All sixth gen fighter designs we saw in prototype or technology demonstrator stage are heavy fighters... including NGAD, F/A-XX. Some speculations also say GCAP will have MTOW of ~50,000 tonnes. That is good enough for range, payload requirements.
4. If we design a 6th gen engine in collaboration for AMCA now, the same could be used on those 6th gen fighters with higher thrust variants. This reduces cost.
5. 6th gen fighter, indigenous, will be partially based on AMCA and Ghatak and for foreign ones, development cost would be divided among the participating countries. So cost would be not that very high anyways.

First and foremost, increase budget.

 

[Enforcer]

I know we failed to develop an engine on time for Tejas, but I am hoping we have one developed in time for AMCA.

The chances are low but I am hoping it works out.

 

[sujith sudhakaran]

I know we failed to develop an engine on time for Tejas, but I am hoping we have one developed in time for AMCA.

The chances are low but I am hoping it works out.

We won't like it's already planned to fly with the F414 unlike the Tejas which was planned to fly with Kaveri and still couldn't make it. The question is, can we develop the engine in time for the so-called Mark 2 version that's coming out in 2035?

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

Who will fund two projects at the same time? The MRFA circus has been delayed for almost 20 years. Only 36 fighter jets have been able to be bought. If funds were available, then Tejas MK2, TEDBF, and AMCA would have been in the sky. Lack of funds delayed the indigenous development of the aero-engine. Private companies will not invest, that's for sure. The IAF already has a plan for the 6th Gen with an increase in payload and combat range. I think Tempest and FCAS lack that requirement. Both projects will be developed according to participant/stakeholder requirements. With the recent 26 Rafale M deal for ₹63,000 crore and the MRFA circus about to start, plus the aero-engine development project to be signed, followed by GE-414 local mfg, I don't think this 6th Gen project of the Europeans will be funded.

We already aren't utilising our defense budget. We can just double our defence expenditure and still be in under 3% of gdp as advised by experts. And such expenditures are done over the years while gdp also grows.