MoD Plans Separate Public-Private Production Line Model for AMCA as Previous SPV Model not Attracting Private Investment

India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) is charting a new course for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, opting for a dual public-private production model with two development-cum-production partners (DcPPs) - one public (most likely HAL) and one private. This move aims to ensure a competitive and resilient supply chain for India's first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.

Originally, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model was proposed, where state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would lead the initial production of the AMCA Mk1, while a private sector entity would take over the subsequent AMCA MkII. However, challenges in investment and supply chain management prompted a shift.

The MoD will now fund both HAL and a soon-to-be-selected private company to develop their respective AMCA prototypes. After rigorous evaluation, the superior design will become the baseline for production, with both companies likely awarded manufacturing contracts, potentially in a 60-40 ratio. This dual-line approach aims to mitigate risks and bolster the supply chain.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to procure 120 AMCA jets, comprising 40 AMCA MkI and 80 AMCA MkII variants. While this revised model aims to accelerate development, the AMCA project has faced delays, with the prototype's first flight now expected in 2028, instead of the initial 2024-25 timeline. These delays are attributed to challenges in finalizing production partners and ongoing negotiations with General Electric for local manufacturing of the GE F-414 engine, which will power the initial AMCA Mk1 jets.

Former IAF Chief ACM RKS Bhadauria highlighted the difficulties in the earlier SPV model, citing unsuccessful discussions with private entities. The MoD's adoption of the DcPP arrangement aims to overcome these hurdles.

In addition to the revised production model, the AMCA's design has also undergone changes, with its weight increased to 27 tonnes to accommodate a larger payload of conventional weapons in its internal weapons bay.

The success of this dual production line model could set a precedent for future indigenous defence projects, ensuring a robust and competitive domestic defence industry.

 

[Akshat]

Tata Krstral Failed?
And stryker passed?
How?

I never said Stryker passed. So far it hasn't been ordered. No one in the Indian military or government has said it is being procured.

As of Kestral, it was thoroughly tested, some units even ordered by the army (LSP) but no orders placed. Mk2 has been developed now. This shows there surely were some limitations or failures. Detailed reports haven't been released but an army report did say that it failed in real battle scenarios.

 

[Nidhish debbarman]

Bro before bashing IAF get your facts straight. Trainers are of FOC standards. This certification was given in 2019. Since then no changes have been requested.

Yes, engines and other issues might be a problem. But even despite those issues, HAL has been even slower. In manufacturing, the slowest component is called the critical bottleneck. Our bottleneck is HAL. Even when everything is done, HAL simply refuses to deliver the planes come what may.

Don't misunderstood me my stance too is worrisome with the sloth speed HAL is working on. They aren't completing any given work on time which brings IAF to reconsider after getting the complete product. I m confused when TATA is already manufacturing Boeing aircraft parts in India why they aren't coming forward to participate in making aircrafts with foreign partners or with HAL.

Don't misunderstood me my stance too is worrisome with the sloth speed HAL is working on. They aren't completing any given work on time which brings IAF to reconsider after getting the complete product. I m confused when TATA is already manufacturing Boeing aircraft parts in India why they aren't coming forward to participate in making aircrafts with foreign partners or with HAL.

 

[swatkats_razor]

I never said Stryker passed. So far it hasn't been ordered.

I will happily watch you eat your words when Stryker is imported by our patriotic Import Army. All recent tailwinds point to immenent acquisition of the Strykers into IA. BTW IA itself has been lobbying for the General Dynamics that Strykers have proven amphibious capabilities.

As of Kestral, it was thoroughly tested, some units even ordered by the army (LSP) but no orders placed.

DRDO was the lead designer and TATA was the manufacturer.
If I were the Chairman of TATA Sons, I wouldn't put any more money into Indian defence.

Mk2 has been developed now. This shows there surely were some limitations or failures.

There is something called iterative evolution. World over, platforms are allowed to evolve.
HAL was allowed luxury of Mk1, Mk1A, Mk2 and what not.
Why does IA insist on extra-terrestrial perfection with anything coming of the Private sector alone?

 

[Dredd]

TATA developing complete C295 ..........??? they are doing screw driving

in that case what exactly is HAL manufacturing in LCA tejas, which exact sub assembly part it's manufacturing ? They are biggest screwdriver and they them self say it out loud.

 

[Dredd]

pvt havent developed any design till date, it will delay the project for new design

Like HAL is delivering all the projects on time, I can't even think of a single project that is delivered on time by HAL.

 

[tipoo2]

I wonder if we shouldn't just put the 20 billion dollars earmarked for MRFA, which some analysts say would be more like 34 billion dollars for the numbers desired, into more orders contingent on more production lines for Tejas and AMCA. Like, we'll double the expected Tejas MK2 orders to 420, but you have to start doubling the production lines right now ahead of it and delivering faster, and finalize that last order for MK1A as well. And this is still only two production lines for AMCA, same thing here, for the amount of cash saved would we be able to double it.

It would make a lean start to the decade as Tejas MK1A ramps, but we'd come out of it with greater numbers than a foreign jet order, much less foreign reserve spend, and more self reliant.

Part of me wonders if there's some method to the madness in dragging the competition along to see how Tejas MK2 shapes up.

 

[Strongman]

Without an engine you might as well fly paper planes……..are the planners that daft. The whole line of tejas is pending . have not been able to deliver a 4.5 gen plane but are talking about production of 5th gen………common guys get real. Build a plane around an engine you can have without being held hostage. Bridge the gap with what you have expertise on. Improve on it. Even if it the not so good RD series. Sometimes numbers can overwhelm enemy. India has enough manpower. Problem is that India has project manager in IT but chalta hai useless planners in other fields…..and a lot of false pride….that doesn’t win wars. And enough anti India and leftist enemies inside. Use a damn hammer.

 

[Sunil Choan]

Dreamers we will always be can't finish Kaveri for 40+ yrs. How can you even think or dream on upgrade on AMCA when we don't have Kaveri. Look at China they copied and are 30 yrs ahead of us