Overview

• The AMCA project’s new execution framework invites private sector firms to partner with HAL on designing and producing five stealth fighter prototypes before series production.
• DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat confirmed the first AMCA test flight is slated for 2029 with full-scale manufacturing to commence by 2034.
• Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh warned that repeated delays on projects like the Tejas Mk1A have deepened the IAF’s gap of 31 operational squadrons against an authorised strength of 42.
• Private firms such as VEM Technologies have begun delivering major sub-assemblies for the Tejas Mk1A, supporting the launch of a fourth production line.
• India is engaging with the UK, France and Japan on fighter-jet engine co-development and has set targets of Rs 3 lakh crore in domestic defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029.