3 private companies compete to build India's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet

The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the prototype development of India's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This marks a significant step in India's indigenous defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Three consortiums have been shortlisted to bid for building the first five prototypes: Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge with BEML. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is not part of this bidding process, establishing a second line of fighter jet manufacturing. The AMCA will feature advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise, internal weapon bays, and sensor fusion, aiming to strengthen the Indian Air Force amid intensifying regional air power competition.