India Eyes F-35, Su-57 League As Tata Leads Bid To Build Indigenous 5th-Gen Fighter

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 14:40 IST

The AMCA project aims to develop an indigenous, single-seater, twin-engine stealth fighter jet equipped with advanced stealth coating, internal weapon bays and next-gen avionics

India has taken a significant step towards developing its indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) shortlisting three contenders to design the prototype.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited has emerged as the leading contender in the race, while two consortiums, Larsen & Toubro in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited, and a joint group comprising Bharat Forge, BEML Limited and Data Patterns, have also been shortlisted. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Adani Defence were among the initial bidders but did not make it to the final list.

The AMCA project aims to develop an indigenous, single-seater, twin-engine stealth fighter jet equipped with advanced stealth coating, internal weapon bays and next-generation avionics. India plans to build more than 125 aircraft under the programme, with induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted by 2035, placing the country among a select group of nations operating fifth-generation combat jets comparable to the United States’ F-35 and Russia’s Su-57.

According to sources, DRDO issued tenders for the project through its Aeronautical Development Agency in July 2025, attracting bids from seven consortiums. The shortlisted contenders are expected to receive government funding to develop the prototype, after which production rights will be allocated.

The first prototype of the AMCA is expected to roll out by the end of 2028, with its maiden flight planned for 2029. The programme aims to develop five flying prototypes, complete development by 2034 and begin initial production by 2035.

Sources indicated that HAL was eliminated during the initial screening due to an error in a mandatory document. However, the company may get another opportunity to participate in licensed manufacturing at a later stage. HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil recently described AMCA as a decade-long project, adding that even if the company is not selected in the early phase, it will bid for licensed manufacturing in the future.

The AMCA initiative forms part of a broader push to modernise the IAF and strengthen domestic defence capabilities. In parallel, India is moving ahead with plans to acquire additional Rafale fighter jets. The Defence Acquisition Council has approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale aircraft from France, with 90 of them to be manufactured in India. The decision came shortly before French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to India from February 17-19.

The council has also cleared the purchase of six additional P-8I maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft from the United States for the Indian Navy. Together, these decisions are being seen as key steps towards enhancing military preparedness while boosting indigenous defence production.

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