New Delhi: The defence ministry has started the selection process for a private sector partner to build a next-generation fighter jet under the Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft ( AMCA) project, described as India's largest indigenous aerospace programme.
RFP issued to major private defence firms
It is learnt that the government has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen and Toubro, and Bharat Forge as part of the selection process.
Larsen and Toubro has partnered with Bharat Electronics Limited, while Bharat Forge has reached an understanding with BEML.
State-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has been kept out of the process, sources said.
AMCA development plan and IAF requirements
India is focusing on the AMCA project to develop a medium-weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features aimed at strengthening air power capability.
AMCA, along with the Tejas light combat aircraft, is planned to form the mainstay of the Indian Air Force.
After the companies submit their responses to the RFP, the selection process is expected to be completed in four to five months.
The selected private defence partner will work with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which functions under the defence ministry, to develop prototypes of the aircraft.
Under the programme, the government plans to build five prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The Indian Air Force has been advocating the AMCA project to meet long-term operational requirements.
Confidence in the AMCA programme increased after the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
Manufactured by state-run aerospace major HAL, the Tejas is used for air combat and offensive air support missions, with reconnaissance and anti-ship operations as secondary roles.
The Indian Air Force is also in the process of procuring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA).
In April 2019, the IAF issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around USD 18 billion, one of the largest military procurement programmes globally.