India’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter program has received a major boost as 28 domestic and international firms have expressed interest in partnering with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. The surge in interest marks a pivotal moment in India’s aerospace journey, as the country aims to join the elite club of nations with indigenous stealth fighter capabilities.
The AMCA, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and to be manufactured by HAL, is envisioned as a twin-engine, multi-role stealth fighter with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and low radar cross-section. The project is currently in its prototype phase, with the first flight expected by 2028 and induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted for early 2030s.
According to senior defence officials, the 28 companies include Tier-1 suppliers, avionics developers, composite material specialists, and propulsion system experts. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated a structured vendor evaluation process to shortlist partners for critical subsystems, including radar, electronic warfare suites, flight control systems, and stealth coatings.
AMCA Partnership Interest – Sectoral Breakdown
| Sector | Number of Firms Interested | Key Technologies Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Avionics & Sensors | 6 | AESA radar, IRST, EW systems |
| Propulsion & Engine Systems | 4 | Afterburning turbofan, supercruise tech |
| Composite Materials | 5 | Radar-absorbent structures, lightweight alloys |
| Flight Control & Actuation | 3 | Fly-by-wire systems, servo actuators |
| Manufacturing & Tooling | 6 | Precision machining, stealth shaping |
| Software & Simulation | 4 | Mission planning, digital twin tech |
HAL Chairman CB Ananthakrishnan confirmed the development, stating, “We are witnessing unprecedented interest from industry players. The AMCA is not just a fighter jet—it’s a national capability. We are committed to building a robust ecosystem that supports indigenous design, manufacturing, and sustainment.”
The AMCA program is being developed under the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, with HAL as the lead integrator and private firms contributing through joint ventures, technology transfer, and co-development agreements. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will continue to provide core R&D support, especially in stealth shaping and materials science.
The government has earmarked ₹15,000 crore for the initial development phase, with additional funding expected through strategic partnerships and export potential. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called the AMCA “a symbol of India’s aerospace self-reliance,” and emphasized its role in countering regional threats and reducing dependency on foreign platforms.
AMCA Project – Development Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Milestone Description |
|---|---|---|
| Concept & Design | 2010–2018 | ADA finalizes stealth configuration |
| Prototype Development | 2019–2027 | HAL builds and tests initial units |
| First Flight | 2028 | Maiden flight of AMCA prototype |
| Production Readiness | 2029–2030 | Finalization of production partners |
| Induction into IAF | 2031 onwards | Operational deployment begins |
The AMCA will complement India’s existing fighter fleet, which includes the Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A, and upcoming Tejas Mk2. With China and Pakistan ramping up their air combat capabilities, the stealth edge offered by AMCA is seen as critical for maintaining air superiority in contested zones.
Industry experts believe the AMCA project could catalyze a new wave of aerospace innovation in India. “This is India’s most complex defence platform yet. It will push boundaries in materials, software, and systems integration,” said Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra, Director-General of Centre for Air Power Studies.
The 28 firms vying for partnership include both public and private entities, with several global OEMs expressing interest in technology sharing. However, the MoD has made it clear that core technologies must remain under Indian control, and foreign participation will be limited to non-sensitive subsystems.
Strategic Goals of AMCA Program
| Objective | Description | National Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Stealth Capability | Develop low-observable fighter platform | Strategic autonomy, export potential |
| Defence Industrial Base Expansion | Engage private sector in high-tech defence | Job creation, tech spillover |
| Technology Sovereignty | Retain control over critical subsystems | Reduced foreign dependency |
| Export Readiness | Position AMCA for friendly nations | Boost to defence exports |
| Aerospace R&D Acceleration | Advance materials, propulsion, avionics | Long-term innovation ecosystem |
HAL has already begun setting up dedicated facilities for AMCA production, including a stealth shaping lab, composite fabrication unit, and digital integration centre. The company is also working with IITs and defence labs to develop indigenous radar-absorbent materials and AI-enabled flight control algorithms.
The final list of partners is expected to be announced by early 2026, following technical evaluations, financial vetting, and security clearances. The selected firms will be onboarded under the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) and will be eligible for incentives under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat schemes.
As India prepares to enter the stealth fighter era, the AMCA project stands as a testament to the country’s aerospace ambition and strategic foresight. With 28 firms lining up to contribute, the program is not just a defence initiative—it’s a national movement toward technological excellence.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government briefings, industry reports, and defence commentary. It does not reflect any political stance or endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
