India Initiates Indigenous Fighter Jet Development Under AMCA Programme

India steps toward self-reliance in defense by launching a new indigenous fighter jet project under the Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft programme, involving key private firms while excluding Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

India is advancing its defense capabilities by initiating the development of a homegrown fighter jet through the Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The government has issued a Request for Proposal inviting Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen and Toubro, and Bharat Forge to submit bids for the project.

Notably, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a major state-run aerospace company, has been left out of this procurement process. The AMCA project aims to equip the Indian Air Force with a medium-weight fighter jet featuring advanced stealth capabilities, complementing the existing Tejas aircraft as the future cornerstone of India’s air combat strength.