By N. C. Bipindra

New Delhi: India, on Wednesday (May 27, 2026), took a major step towards launching its most ambitious indigenous fifth-generation, twin-engine Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, issuing a tender to three shortlisted domestic firms.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) released the Request for Proposals (RFP) to consortia of Larsen & Toubro-Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Forge Limited-BEML Limited, and private firm Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

These companies were shortlisted in February 2026 after examining their responses to an Expression of Interest (RFI) issued in June 2025 from a total of seven consortia and firms, including India’s state-run aircraft manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). HAL had tied up with two private firms, including Vem Technologies Private Limited.

But its response to the EOI was rejected along with proposals from Adani Defence and Aerospace and its partner MTAR Technologies, Goodluck India Limited and its partners Axiscades Technologies Limited and state-run BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Limited, and ICOMM Tele Limited and PTC Industries Limited.

The AMCA project envisages equipping the futuristic aircraft with stealth technology, modern sensors, long-range strike capabilities, and network-centric warfare systems.

It will be a multi-role aircraft, designed with the capability to penetrate enemy air defence systems. The aircraft will meet the future fleet requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The successful execution of the AMCA project would put India in a league of nations such as the US, China, and Russia that produce fifth-generation fighter aircraft. AMCA would be comparable to the American F-35 and Chinese J-20.

India’s state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) would design and develop the AMCA, in partnership with one of the three shortlisted firms as a development-cum-production partner.

AMCA is envisaged as an aircraft that can execute air-to-air, air-to-ground, and Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

It will feature modern capabilities such as internal weapon bays, advanced avionics, sensor fusion, supercruise, and digital warfare systems.

The aircraft will utilise radar-absorbing materials to ensure that its Radar Cross Section (RCS) remains extremely low. Its internal weapon bay will house armaments, thereby further enhancing its stealth capabilities.

It will be equipped with an advanced AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, helmet-mounted displays, and large digital cockpit screens, apart from a modern electronic warfare suite, radar warning receivers, missile approach warning systems, and electronic countermeasures, all the defend the aircraft and confuse the enemy.

According to the RFP, the selected company will be required to play a pivotal role in the aircraft’s manufacturing, assembly, systems integration, testing, and certification, within the stipulated timeframe of seven years. AMCA should get into production by 2034.

However, the entire project is slated for completion within a timeframe of seven years—specifically, 84 months. Furthermore, the entire project must be finalized by 2034.

Under the project, five flying prototypes will be developed, along with one structural test specimen, for flight testing, systems validation, and technical trials. Concurrently, test facilities, jigs, fixtures, and ground support systems will also be established.

The testing of the aircraft will be a lengthy and complex process. It will involve thousands of hours of flight time and trials conducted under diverse weather and operational conditions.

Powered by two engines, AMCA’s design will enhance both the power and aircraft safety. AMCA Mk-1 will likely use the American engine maker General Electric’s F414 engines, while the aircraft’s Mk-2 may use a more powerful engine, potentially developed within India.

India is already pursuing a separate engine development programme and is also engaging with GE Aerospace and French Safran for obtaining technology, know-how, and know-why.

The RFP includes a dedicated annexure for the propulsion system, containing detailed specifications regarding engine integration, test rigs, and ground testing procedures.

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