HAL Knocked Out of AMCA Stealth Fighter Jet Programme

HAL Exits Race for India’s AMCA Stealth Fighter Programme

New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been eliminated from the competition to develop India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. This marks the first time the state-owned aerospace major will not participate in one of India’s most critical military aviation projects, according to officials familiar with the development.

Three Consortia Advance to Next Evaluation Stage

Out of the seven public and private sector consortia that submitted bids last year, only three have met the mandatory technical and financial criteria. These shortlisted bidders will now be invited to submit cost bids for the development of five AMCA prototypes and one structural test specimen. The identities of the shortlisted entities have not yet been disclosed.

The final contract is expected to be awarded to the lowest bidder within the next three months, officials said.

HAL’s Bid Fails to Meet Mandatory Criteria

HAL had submitted its bid in partnership with two smaller firms that failed to satisfy the programme’s mandatory eligibility conditions. As a result, HAL’s consortium did not progress to the next stage of evaluation.

Apart from HAL, other contenders included Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence and Aerospace, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Goodluck India with BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd and Axiscades Technologies, and Bharat Forge Ltd in partnership with BEML Ltd and Data Patterns.

DRDO’s Industry Partnership Model for AMCA

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) in June last year to identify industry partners capable of building prototypes, supporting flight testing, and completing certification for the indigenous stealth fighter.

The EoI was floated weeks after the defence ministry announced a competitive execution model, allowing equal participation from both public and private sector firms to accelerate the AMCA programme.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The bids were first assessed by a committee of senior DRDO officials. Their recommendations were subsequently reviewed by a high-level panel headed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. ADA is executing the programme through an industry partnership model, with shortlisted firms required to establish manufacturing facilities for series production.

The EoI specified that the entire development cycle—including prototyping, flight testing, and certification—must be completed within eight years.

Timeline for AMCA Development

According to officials, the first AMCA prototype is expected to make its maiden flight in 2029. The aircraft’s development phase is likely to conclude by 2034, with series production beginning around 2035.

Strategic Urgency Amid Regional Developments

Fast-tracking the AMCA programme has become strategically important as China has already inducted the J-20 fifth-generation fighter, is rolling out the J-35 stealth aircraft, and has reportedly tested sixth-generation platforms designated J-36 and J-50. Pakistan has shown interest in acquiring the J-35, further underlining the urgency for India.

Government Approval and Cost of the Programme

In 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the AMCA’s design and prototype development at an estimated cost of ₹15,000 crore. The Indian Air Force’s modernisation roadmap envisages the induction of around 120 AMCA fighters (six squadrons) from 2035 onwards.

Engine Plans: Mk-1 and Mk-2 Variants

The first two squadrons of AMCA will feature the Mk-1 variant powered by American F-414 engines. Subsequent squadrons will deploy the more advanced Mk-2 version, equipped with a higher-thrust engine to be developed in India with French collaboration.

Safran–GTRE Engine Development Project

The government is expected to soon approve a joint project between France’s Safran and India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to develop a 120-kilonewton thrust-class engine for the AMCA. The project will involve the development of nine engine prototypes over 12 years, with 100% transfer of technology and intellectual property rights to India, officials said.

HAL’s Concerns Over Eligibility Criteria

HAL chief DK Sunil had earlier expressed concerns about the EoI’s eligibility conditions, stating that clauses related to order books and turnover disadvantaged HAL. He pointed out that companies with fewer orders were scoring higher, while HAL’s large order book worked against it.

However, HAL officials said they were not formally informed about the

outcome of the evaluation process.