India’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has moved forward with the Ministry of Defence issuing a request for proposal (RFP) to three shortlisted private sector firms for the development and production of the stealth jet. The shortlisted bidders are Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen & Toubro in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd.Public sector aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has not been included in the programme as it is currently engaged in the Tejas fighter aircraft programme and pending orders from the Indian Air Force (IAF).The AMCA is being developed as a medium-weight, twin-engine, multi-role stealth fighter aircraft based on the operational requirements of the IAF. Once developed, the aircraft is expected to compete with advanced fifth-generation platforms such as the US-made F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Su-57.According to the RFP, the selected industry partner will work with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the DRDO-affiliated design agency, to develop five prototypes of the aircraft, integrate systems, support testing and certification, and scale up production.Strict timelines for developmentThe RFP sets stringent timelines for the programme. It requires the first AMCA prototype flight within 30 months of contract signing and mandates completion of a 1,800-sortie flight testing programme within 84 months before the aircraft enters series production.The first prototype is expected to be rolled out by 2029 and will initially fly with the GE F414 engine. The first flight is expected between 2028 and 2029, while serial production is planned to begin in the mid-2030s. The IAF intends to induct seven AMCA squadrons once production begins from 2035 onward.The bidding process will commence on June 11 and interested firms are required to submit final bids by the end of next month. The bids will be opened on July 28. The selection process is expected to be completed within four to five months after submissions are received.AMCA featuresThe aircraft is expected to feature super-cruise capability, internal weapons bays and advanced artificial intelligence systems. It is projected to operate at an altitude of 55,000 feet and carry 1,500 kg of weapons internally along with an additional 5,500 kg externally.Long-term IAF force structureThe IAF has been pursuing the AMCA project to meet future requirements for deep-penetration strike missions and air-superiority operations. While the force continues efforts to acquire foreign multi-role fighters under the 114-aircraft programme initiated through a 2019 Request for Information, the AMCA remains central to its long-term fleet strategy.The Ministry of Defence has also issued a letter of request to France for 114 Rafale 4.5-generation fighter jets, with 90 of the aircraft proposed to be manufactured in India.The AMCA and Tejas fighter programmes are expected to form the backbone of the IAF in the coming decades.Budget and infrastructure supportThe AMCA prototype phase has been budgeted at around Rs 15,000 crore. Supporting infrastructure for the programme includes the Core Integration and Flight Testing Centre being developed by ADA at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh at an estimated cost of about Rs 2,000 crore.The foundation stone for the facility was laid on May 15 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh said Puttaparthi would become one of the few global locations from where a fifth-generation aircraft would take flight.Once the prototype receives clearance and approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security, the aircraft will be manufactured at the upcoming Integration and Flight Testing Complex in Andhra Pradesh.Private sector participation gains momentumThe AMCA programme marks a major shift in India’s defence manufacturing approach with private companies taking the lead role in a major fighter aircraft project for the first time.Among the shortlisted bidders, Tata Advanced Systems brings prior experience in aircraft manufacturing through its partnership with Airbus for the assembly of C-295 transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat. Larsen & Toubro has partnered with Bharat Electronics Limited for its bid, while Bharat Forge has tied up with BEML.The execution model for the AMCA programme involving private sector participation was approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 27, 2025. Expressions of interest from private companies were invited nearly 20 days later.