DRDO Shortlists Firms To Build Prototypes Of India’s Indigenous Fifth-Generation AMCA Jets

At least seven Indian defence companies have submitted bids to collaborate with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the design and development of prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. The Expression of Interest (EoI) was floated by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), with September 30 being the deadline for submissions.

Leading Defence Majors Submit Proposals

The bidders include prominent players such as Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Adani Defence, and Kalyani Strategic Systems, among others, defence officials told ANI. A high-level committee, headed by former BrahMos Aerospace chief A Sivathanu Pillai, will now evaluate the proposals.

According to officials, two firms will be shortlisted and allotted Rs 15,000 crore between them to construct five prototypes of the AMCA to the highest standards. Production rights will be awarded only after successful prototype development.

Final Decision to Rest with Defence Ministry

The evaluation report and recommendations will be submitted by the Pillai committee to the Ministry of Defence, which will make the final call on selecting industry partners. The Defence Ministry has been closely involved with the AMCA project since its approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security last year. The Defence Secretary is coordinating with DRDO and ADA to ensure the ambitious project remains on schedule.

What is the AMCA?

The AMCA is part of a Rs 2 lakh crore mega project aimed at delivering over 125 next-generation fighter jets to the Indian Air Force, with induction expected only by 2035. Once operational, India will become the fourth country globally to field a fifth-generation fighter jet, following the US, China, and Russia.

The indigenous AMCA will be a single-seat, twin-engine aircraft equipped with stealth coatings, advanced avionics, and internal weapons bays, comparable to global fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22, F-35, and Su-57. It is expected to operate at 55,000 feet, carry 1,500 kg of armaments internally plus 5,500 kg on external hardpoints, and hold 6,500 kg of fuel.