India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet programme received a major push as multiple Indian companies submitted bids to tie with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to design and develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to media reports, by September 30, which was the last day for submitting the bids in response to the expression of interest issued by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Rs 15,000 crore design and development project, seven major players entered the race.
The defence players who have submitted the bids include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), and Adani Defence.
Some of these companies have reportedly submitted the bids along with their partner firms. Earlier, it was reported that L&T formed a partnership with BEL to support the AMCA programme.
A panel, formed under former BrahMos Aerospace chief A. Sivathanu Pillai will examine the bids before submitting the evaluation report and recommendations to the ministry of defence.
In a move to fast-track the stealth fighter's design and prototype development by partnering with Indian industry, including both public and private sector companies, the defence ministry had issued an expression of interest in May.
The defence ministry will now examine the recommendations and take a final call on choosing the partners for the AMCA project.
The first AMCA prototype is likely to complete its maiden flight by 2029. The fighter jet, which marks a major step towards India’s self-reliance in defence, is likely to be inducted into the IAF by 2034-35.
