The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is an ambitious indigenous program led by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This initiative aims to develop a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter jet for the Indian Air Force (IAF). With a projected induction timeline around 2034-2035, the AMCA is set to enhance India’s aerospace capabilities with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), stealth features, and multi-sensor data fusion.
A key feature of this program is the increasing involvement of India’s private sector alongside Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which remains the only entity in India with the infrastructure and experience to handle final assembly. To streamline production, the government plans to outsource assemblies and subassemblies to private firms as much as possible. This approach will expand the supplier base and eliminate bottlenecks caused by a single manufacturer.
AMCA Design and Development Timeline
The AMCA is a twin-engine, 25-tonne, all-weather stealth fighter designed for missions such as air supremacy, ground strikes, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and electronic warfare (EW). Initiated in 2010, the program has progressed steadily, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving ₹15,000 crore (approximately $1.8 billion) on March 7, 2024, for the development of five prototypes. The timeline includes:
- Prototype rollout by 2026-2027
- First flight in 2028
- Certification by 2032
- Induction by 2034
The AMCA Mark 1 will feature fifth-generation technologies, while the Mark 2 will integrate sixth-generation advancements, including supercruise capabilities with a 110 kN thrust engine.
Expanding the Supplier Base
HAL has long been the backbone of India’s aerospace manufacturing. However, instead of overburdening HAL with all aspects of production, the government is now focusing on distributing assembly work among private vendors. This move will optimize efficiency and enhance self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
In February 2025, the government formed a high-level committee under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to oversee this initiative. The committee, which includes representatives from the IAF and HAL, is evaluating joint ventures and design partnerships to maximize private sector contributions.
Evaluation of Private Vendors
Initial efforts to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) saw limited interest, with only 6-7 companies attending early meetings in 2023. However, following CCS funding approval, 19 companies expressed their willingness to contribute to the AMCA, TEDBF, and Tejas Mk-2 programs.
Team Alpha Defense accessed the Vendor Evaluation Report for manufacturing multiple structural assemblies, including:
- Front fuselage
- Centre fuselage
- Rear fuselage
- Wings
- Vertical tails
- Canards
- Horizontal tails
Evaluation Criteria
The committee set up evaluation criteria and required vendors to provide the following details:
- Facilities available per ADA requirements
- Subcontracting allowed up to 30% (foreign collaboration not permitted)
- Previous projects executed for ADA/DRDO/CSIR/HAL
- Minimum annual turnover of ₹100 crores (last three years)
- Expertise in composites, machining, sheet metal, and assembly
- DG-AQA Certification/AFQMS Approval experience
- NADCAP-approved special processes
- Level-2/Level-3 certified technicians for inspections
- Track record of timely project completion
- Internal quality standards and procedures
- Technical and support manpower details
- Orders under execution or pending projects
To pass the Technical Evaluation, vendors needed a minimum score of 70. Bids from BrahMos Aerospace and BEML were rejected as the Expression of Interest (EoI) was open only to private vendors.
Evaluation Results
Tata Advanced Systems Limited topped the evaluation with 96 points. Other companies that cleared the technical evaluation include:
- L&T – 82 points
- Aerostructures Manufacturing India Pvt Ltd – 79 points
- Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd – 76 points
- Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd – 75 points
- Dynamatic Technologies Ltd – 73 points
- MTAR Technologies Pvt Ltd – 73 points
- VEM Technologies – 71 points
However, major firms like Mahindra and Alpha Tocol failed to clear the evaluation. Interestingly, several companies scored just 0 or 1 out of 2 in the category of “Customer feedback report for the last three years and timely execution of projects.”
Next Steps: CQCCBS Model for Selection
The committee recommended adopting the CQCCBS (Combined Quality Cum Cost Based System) model. Under this approach, both technical and financial proposals will be weighted, with specific weightage factors assigned based on project complexity during the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase.
This collaboration between HAL and private vendors is expected to accelerate fighter jet production in India. By balancing public and private sector strengths, the government aims to develop cutting-edge aircraft while ensuring a more robust and diversified supplier base. This move will not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also position its aerospace industry for long-term growth and self-reliance.