The first prototypes are expected to be ready by 2028; service entry is scheduled for 2035

A decision destined to revolutionize the landscape of the Indian defense industry. The New Delhi Government has approved a new implementation model that will allow private companies to actively participate in the development of the highly anticipated Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the fifth-generation stealth fighter. The measure, announced today by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in the aerospace sector and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, in line with the vision of "Aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance).

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the principal design agency for the AMCA, will lead the program through a robust industrial partnership. The new model guarantees equal opportunities for both public sector companies, such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has traditionally held an almost monopoly in combat aircraft production, and private sector firms. These companies can submit competitive bids either independently or through joint-ventures or consortiums, provided they are Indian companies compliant with national regulations.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that this is a fundamental step to leverage indigenous experience and capability in developing the AMCA prototype, an ambitious objective for Indian military aviation. 

ADA is expected to soon issue an "Expression of Interest" (EOL) for the AMCA development phase, designed to be a single-seat, twin-engine, stealth fifth-generation multirole fighter, capable of operating in all weather conditions, intended both for the Indian Air Force and Navy. It is anticipated to incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as sensor fusion, internal bays for smart weapons, and advanced avionics. Although project approval for design and development was granted by the Cabinet Committee on Security in March 2024, the initial estimated cost stands at around 15,000 crore rupees (approximately 1.8 billion US dollars). The first prototypes are expected to be ready by 2028; entry into service is planned by 2035.

This opening to the private sector marks a significant shift in India’s defense acquisition and development strategy, promising to accelerate the AMCA program and stimulate innovation and growth of a more dynamic and competitive domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem.

Below, the media reaction to the news. In the second video, the AMCA at "Aero India 2025":