India opens ₹15,000 crore race to build indigenous AMCA stealth fighter

India formally launched the ₹15,000 crore competition to build the country’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), by issuing Request for Proposals (RFPs) to three shortlisted private-sector bidders, as per reports.

The contenders in the mega defence programme are Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Larsen and Toubro in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Bharat Forge along with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The selected company will develop and manufacture five AMCA prototypes, creating a second fighter aircraft production ecosystem in India outside Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

As per reports, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the twin-engine AMCA will initially be powered by American GE-414 engines. The first prototype is expected by early 2027, while the maiden flight is projected between 2028 and 2029. Serial production is expected in the mid-2030s, with future variants likely to feature more powerful 120 kN engines developed in India with French assistance.

Earlier this month, the foundation stone was laid for the ₹15,803 crore Integration and Flight Testing Complex at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh after the Cabinet Committee on Security cleared development of the five prototypes.

Equipped with stealth features, internal weapons bays, supercruise capability and AI-enabled systems, the AMCA is expected to compete with advanced fighter jets such as the American F-35, China’s J-20 and Russia’s Su-57. The aircraft will eventually replace parts of India’s Su-30MKI fleet and will be armed with indigenous Astra air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs and advanced radar systems designed to evade enemy air defence networks, as per reports.

The Indian Air Force has also reportedly proposed acquiring two squadrons of Russian Su-57 fighters through the Make in India route, though the government has yet to take a final decision. Meanwhile, India is negotiating with France’s Dassault Aviation for the direct acquisition and local production of 114 fighter aircraft to maintain IAF squadron strength.

The recent Operation Sindoor highlighted the growing importance of long-range precision strikes and air power in modern warfare, reinforcing the need for India to rapidly strengthen its next-generation combat capabilities.