In a major boost to India’s self-reliance in defence technology, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday. The move marks a critical step toward developing India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter and building a robust domestic aerospace industry.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the key body behind the AMCA project, will spearhead the programme in collaboration with industry partners. Under the new execution model, both public and private sector companies will be allowed to bid competitively—either individually, as joint ventures, or as consortia. Eligible entities must be Indian-registered companies compliant with national laws and regulations.
“This model is aimed at tapping into indigenous expertise and building capacity for the AMCA prototype, a milestone towards achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the aerospace sector,” the ministry said.
ADA is expected to issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) shortly for the development phase of the AMCA project.
The government is also actively encouraging private sector participation in the programme to ensure its timely delivery, especially amid reports of U.S. attempts to push its F-35 jets to India. A Defence Ministry committee headed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh—with representatives from the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—is examining ways to strengthen private industry involvement.
Options under consideration include joint ventures between HAL and private firms or deeper partnerships during the design and development phases. HAL, which plays a central role in India’s aerospace sector, already outsources significant components to private companies like L&T, Godrej, and Azad Engineering.
Among private contenders, the Tata Group has relevant experience in aircraft integration through its collaboration with Airbus on C-295 transport aircraft assembly in India.
A full-scale model of the AMCA was recently showcased at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. Designed by ADA for the Indian Air Force, the 25-ton stealth fighter will feature both manned and unmanned teaming capabilities, leveraging artificial intelligence for cutting-edge operational performance.
Key AI features include:
- Multi-sensor data fusion for superior situational awareness
- A pilot decision support system
- Automatic target recognition and identification
- A combined vision system for low-visibility navigation
Once operational, the AMCA is expected to stand among the world’s most advanced fifth-generation combat aircraft, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy and defence capabilities.