India’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has moved forward with the Ministry of Defence issuing a request for proposal (RFP) to three shortlisted private sector firms for the development and production of the stealth jet. The shortlisted bidders are Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen & Toubro in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd.
Public sector aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has not been included in the programme as it is currently engaged in the Tejas fighter aircraft programme and pending orders from the Indian Air Force (IAF).