Overview

• On May 27 the Defence Ministry approved the AMCA execution model, officially moving the programme into its development phase.
• The Aeronautical Development Agency has issued an expression of interest inviting both state-owned and private companies to bid for prototype design and production roles.
• Major defence players such as HAL, Tata, Adani and L&T can compete individually or form consortiums under the new framework.
• The two-phase programme envisions a partially imported Mark 1 prototype test flight by 2029 and a fully indigenous Mark 2 induction in 2034–35.
• The initiative aims to bolster India’s self-reliance in advanced stealth technology to counter emerging threats from Pakistan and China, with former IAF chief RKS Bhadauria ruling out interim jet imports.