India Moves Ahead With Homegrown Stealth Fighter Jet Program
NEW DELHI — India’s Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Proposal for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program, marking a major step forward in the country’s effort to develop an indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA, is being designed as a medium-weight, multi-role, twin-engine stealth fighter based on the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force.
The bidding process is scheduled to begin June 11, with final submissions due by the end of next month. The bids are expected to be opened July 28.
Under the proposal, the first prototype must fly within 30 months of the contract being signed. The program calls for the development of five low-observable fighter jet prototypes, along with several testing facilities.
Bidders will also be required to support flight testing and type certification activities for the AMCA. The aircraft will be configured according to the Equipment Standard of Preparation and will include the line replaceable units and onboard systems needed for operations, testing and evaluation.
Three private sector-led consortiums are competing in the AMCA shortlisting process: Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen and Toubro-Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge-BEML.
The move follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s May 27, 2025, approval of an execution model for the AMCA program involving private companies. Expressions of Interest were invited from private firms about 20 days later.
The AMCA is expected to become India’s first indigenous twin-engine fighter jet. It is being designed with advanced stealth features intended to make the aircraft difficult for enemy radar systems to detect.
The fighter is expected to remain airborne for nearly 10 hours, and modifications are being planned to improve pilot comfort during extended missions.
Another key feature will be an internal weapons bay for missiles and other armaments. Unlike conventional fighter jets, which typically carry weapons under the wings or fuselage, the AMCA will store weapons internally to reduce radar visibility and strengthen its stealth capability. (Source: IANS)
