The Ministry of Defence officially issued a Request for Proposal for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme on June 3, 2026, marking a historic step toward India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. This ₹15,000 crore project signifies a major shift in national defence strategy by inviting private sector giants to lead the manufacturing process instead of traditional state-run entities. The initiative aims to bolster India’s air superiority while establishing a high-tech aerospace manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh.
What is the AMCA Programme?
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s ambitious project to develop a fifth-generation, twin-engine, multirole stealth fighter. The programme is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which was established in 1984 and is headquartered in Bengaluru. ADA operates as the nodal agency for the design and development of combat aircraft under the Department of Defence Research and Development.
The Union Cabinet had previously sanctioned ₹15,000 crore for the full-scale design and development phase of the project. This massive funding covers the construction of five flying prototypes and one structural test specimen. The AMCA is intended to bridge the technological gap in the Indian Air Force (IAF), serving as a successor to the indigenous LCA Tejas and ensuring that India remains self-reliant in critical high-tech defence aviation.
A Paradigm Shift: Private Sector Leading Manufacturing
In a significant departure from previous indigenous projects, the Ministry of Defence has excluded Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from the primary manufacturing role for the AMCA prototypes. Instead, the government has invited private sector participation to lead the integration and manufacturing process. This strategy is part of the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to build a robust domestic aerospace industry by involving private enterprises in high-value defence projects.
The government is implementing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model for the AMCA programme. Under this model, a selected private industry partner will collaborate with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to translate the design into a flight-ready aircraft. This move is expected to inject efficiency, competitive technology, and private capital into the project. Top Indian defence giants, such as Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Bharat Forge, are among the key contenders vying for this historic partnership.
The Puttaparthi Aerospace Hub and ADA Centre
The manufacturing and testing of the AMCA prototypes will be centered at a new 650-acre greenfield aerospace facility in Puttaparthi, located in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh. This massive complex is designed to be the heart of India’s fifth-generation fighter programme, providing a dedicated environment for advanced aerospace engineering.
A key highlight of this project is the establishment of the Core Integration and Flight Testing Centre by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). This state-of-the-art centre will handle the assembly, integration, and rigorous flight testing of the five flying prototypes. The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated approximately 300 acres of this land specifically for the selected private partner to set up their own manufacturing and assembly lines. This integrated approach ensures that design, production, and testing occur in a single, high-security ecosystem, accelerating the development timeline.
Technical Specifications: The 5th Generation Edge
The AMCA is designed to be a world-class multirole fighter with superior stealth characteristics, allowing it to penetrate heavily contested enemy airspace undetected. To achieve its low-observable status, the aircraft features serpentine air intakes, internal weapon bays, and specialized radar-absorbent materials (RAM) that drastically reduce its Radar Cross Section (RCS).
Engine and Performance
The programme follows a phased development approach. The AMCA Mark-1 will be powered by the American GE-F414-GE-INS6 engines, which fall in the 98 kN thrust class. These engines will be produced in India under a technology transfer agreement. The subsequent AMCA Mark-2 is planned to feature a more powerful 120 kN engine, likely co-developed with France’s Safran. This advanced engine will enable supercruise, the ability of the aircraft to maintain supersonic flight without the fuel-heavy use of afterburners.
Advanced Avionics and AI
At the heart of the AMCA’s combat capability is an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a sophisticated electronic warfare suite. The aircraft will utilize sensor fusion to integrate data from its radar, infrared, and electronic sensors into a single, comprehensive picture for the pilot. Additionally, the AMCA is designed with AI-assisted decision-making capabilities and the potential to command “loyal wingman” unmanned drones in a networked combat environment.
Significance for India’s Defence Self-Reliance
The issuance of the RFP for the AMCA programme is a landmark event for India’s national security and industrial capability. By developing an indigenous fifth-generation fighter, India joins an elite group of nations—including the United States, Russia, and China, which possess the high-end technology required for stealth aviation. This project ensures that the Indian Air Force (IAF) remains technologically superior in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.
The decision to lead with a private sector partner is a strategic pivot that addresses long-standing concerns regarding the pace of state-led defence production. It empowers the domestic private industry to master complex aerospace manufacturing, which can then be leveraged for future indigenous projects and global exports. Furthermore, the establishment of the Puttaparthi hub is expected to generate thousands of high-skilled jobs and attract significant infrastructure investment to the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, contributing to the state’s economic development.
Key Takeaways
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme on June 3, 2026.
- The AMCA is India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which was established in 1984.
- The government has sanctioned ₹15,000 crore for the development of five flying prototypes and one structural test aircraft.
- For the first time, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been excluded from the manufacturing process to allow for private sector lead integration.
- A 650-acre greenfield aerospace hub and an ADA Core Integration and Flight Testing Centre are being established in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.
- Key technologies of the AMCA include stealth design, internal weapon bays, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and sensor fusion.
- The aircraft will be developed in two phases, with the Mark-2 variant expected to feature a more powerful 120 kN engine capable of supercruise.
