New Delhi: : India has officially initiated the process to build its first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet under the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, marking a significant step in bolstering the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and air combat strength.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which functions under the Ministry of Defence, has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) seeking participation from Indian firms to assist in the development and prototyping of the AMCA. As per the proposal, the government aims to build five prototypes of the advanced aircraft, which is expected to form the backbone of India’s future air force fleet alongside the domestically developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
The AMCA is envisioned as a medium-weight, deep-penetration stealth fighter, featuring advanced stealth technology, superior avionics, and multi-role capabilities, making it capable of performing a variety of combat missions. Once operational, it will significantly elevate the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strategic reach and deterrence capabilities.
According to ADA’s official note, the EOI invites Indian-owned and controlled companies to participate, whether as individual firms, joint ventures, or consortia. Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in the aerospace and defence sector, and should possess the technical and industrial capability to absorb the AMCA’s complex design, manufacture its prototypes, and eventually support full-scale series production.
The agency emphasized that the shortlisted company or consortium must have the ability to establish a dedicated manufacturing facility for the aircraft. The scope of work will include development, prototyping, flight testing, and certification, all of which are to be completed within an eight-year timeframe from the signing of the contract.
The AMCA program is part of India’s broader goal to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports and build a robust indigenous ecosystem for cutting-edge military technology. With global aerospace giants closely monitoring India’s progress, the move signals a clear intent to place India among the elite nations capable of producing fifth-generation fighter jets.
If executed successfully, the AMCA will not only fulfill critical operational requirements of the IAF but also open avenues for defence exports, technological innovation, and strategic autonomy in aerospace defence manufacturing.
