India’s Fifth-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Project Enters Execution Phase As ADA Invites Bids For AMCA Development From Domestic Firms—All About It

In a significant step towards building India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible Indian companies to take up the development, prototyping, flight testing, and certification of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The EoI, released on Wednesday (18 June), is aimed at shortlisting Indian-owned and controlled entities capable of executing the AMCA programme under Indian laws.

Applicants may be single companies, joint ventures, or consortia, and must possess prior expertise in aerospace design, development, integration, and quality assurance.

The selected firm must also have the capability for setting up manufacturing facilities for future series production, according to the EoI document.

The duration of the contract for development and certification is fixed at eight years from the effective date.

A pre-EOI meeting is scheduled for the first week of July 2025 to clarify technical and procedural aspects.

The final date for submission of the EOI is 16 August 2025, before 5.00 pm.

The AMCA project, which has received government clearance and initial funding, is expected to have its first flight by 2029 and enter production by 2035.

The aircraft will feature advanced stealth, AI-enabled avionics, internal weapon bays, and manned-unmanned teaming capabilities — positioning India alongside a select few nations developing fifth-generation fighters.

What Is AMCA And Why It Matters

The AMCA is India’s most ambitious fighter aircraft programme to date — a fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority, ground attack, electronic warfare, and deep penetration strike missions.

The aircraft will eventually replace older IAF jets like the MiG-29 and Su-30MKI in frontline roles.

Designed and developed by ADA in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other partners, AMCA will feature:

• Stealth technology including radar-absorbent materials and internal weapon bays.

• Advanced avionics with AI-based decision support systems.

• AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array), most likely based on DRDO’s indigenous ‘Uttam’ radar.

• Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities for integration with drones.

• Supercruise and enhanced survivability in contested airspace.

In March 2023, the Cabinet Committee on Security cleared Rs 15,000 crore for AMCA prototype development, covering five test aircraft and associated infrastructure. The first flight is targeted for 2029, with serial production likely by 2035.

In a significant policy shift, the government has opened the door for private sector participation via the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model — allowing HAL to partner with private companies.

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