Govt invites Tata, L&T, Bharat Forge for AMCA project; HAL left out of process
India has initiated the AMCA stealth fighter selection process, inviting Tata, L&T and Bharat Forge while HAL remains outside the current RFP stage
In a bid to boost the country’s air power with deep penetration stealth capability, the Defence Ministry has initiated the selection process for building India’s next-generation stealth fighter jet under the Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) or tender to Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen and Toubro and Bharat Forge.
However, according to as PTI report, quoting sources, the state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has been kept out of the process.
Private players in race for AMCA
While Larsen and Toubro has partnered with Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Forge has reached an understanding with BEML.
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The development comes at a time when the Centre has been focusing on the ambitious AMCA project to develop the medium-weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its air power.
AMCA, along with the Tejas light combat aircraft, is planned to be the mainstay of the Indian Air Force.
Selection process to take shape
After the three companies submit their responses to the RFP, the selection process for the project is likely to be completed in four to five months.
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The selected private defence major will work with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an entity that operates under the Defence Ministry, for developing the prototypes of the aircraft.
Under the project, the government plans to build five prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
IAF’s long-term fighter plans
The IAF has been pushing for the AMCA project in view of its long-term requirement.
India's confidence in the development of the AMCA saw a significant jump after the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
Manufactured by state-run aerospace behemoth HAL, the Tejas aircraft is a potent platform for air combat and offensive air support missions, while reconnaissance and anti-ship operations are its secondary roles.
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The IAF is also in the process of procuring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA).
In April 2019, the IAF issued an RFI (Request for Information), or initial tender, to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around USD 18 billion.
It was billed as one of the world's biggest military procurement programmes in recent years.