India Seeks Private Partner for Major Indigenous Fighter Jet Initiative

India's defence ministry has initiated the process to select a private sector partner for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project, aiming to develop a fifth-generation fighter jet. This project, excluding Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, involves major firms like Tata and Bharat Forge, with series production expected by 2035.

India has launched an initiative to find a private sector collaborator for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. This endeavour is the nation's largest indigenous aerospace project, targeting the creation of a fifth-generation fighter jet. The defence ministry has sent a Request for Proposal to Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen and Toubro, and Bharat Forge.

Larsen and Toubro has teamed up with Bharat Electronics Limited, while Bharat Forge has an agreement with BEML. Notably, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is excluded. The project aims for the first aircraft flight within 30 months of contract signing, with the prototype expected by 2029. The IAF plans seven squadrons by 2035.