Overview
- The Defence Ministry issued the Request for Proposal on Wednesday May 27 to three shortlisted private consortia — Tata Advanced Systems, an L&T–BEL group, and a Bharat Forge–BEML group — and kept state‑run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited out of the prototype competition.
- The RFP covers build of five flying prototypes and one structural test airframe using design data from the Aeronautical Development Agency and allocates about Rs 15,000 crore of government funding for the prototype phase.
- Prototype work, systems integration and flight testing are slated for a new 650‑acre Integration and Flight Testing Complex at Puttaparthi with bidders given roughly two to three months to submit proposals and a commercial selection expected between January and March 2027.
- The programme plans an interim Mark‑1 engine using a GE F414‑class powerplant with a higher‑thrust Mark‑2 to be developed later with domestic and foreign partners such as HAL and Safran, and programme officials warn of usual stealth‑fighter risks including engine, stealth validation and systems‑integration challenges.
- If the timeline holds, first prototype flights are forecast between 2028 and 2032 and initial IAF induction after 2035, a shift that aims to deepen domestic aerospace capability, create jobs around Puttaparthi, and position private industry to lead future large‑scale production roles.