India’s 5th Generation Fighter Jet AMCA Moves Ahead with Private Sector Push

India is making history. For the first time, private companies will build India’s 5th Generation Fighter Jet. The Defence Ministry has officially sent a tender — called Request for Proposal — to three top companies. The race to build the AMCA fighter jet India has officially begun.

This is not just a new aircraft. It is a statement. China already operates the J-20 stealth fighter. Pakistan may soon receive the J-35. India currently has only 36 Rafales — and none of them are stealth-capable. The AMCA is India's answer to that growing gap.

What is AMCA?

The AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) is India’s plan to build its own 5th-generation stealth fighter jet. The project is being developed by ADA under DRDO.

It is designed to avoid enemy radar and carry weapons inside the aircraft, making it harder to detect — similar to advanced jets like the F-35 and J-20.

Source: ADA, New Kerala

"Puttaparthi will become the birthplace of an aircraft capable of annihilating the enemy in the blink of an eye." - Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

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Why AMCA Matters?

India is building the AMCA to prepare its air force for the future. Many current fighter jets may become outdated by 2035, while China and Pakistan are rapidly adding advanced stealth aircraft. The AMCA project will help India strengthen its air power and reduce dependence on foreign fighter jets.

• China already operates the J-20 stealth fighter.
• Pakistan may get the J-35 stealth jet.
• India has only 36 Rafale jets currently.
• Tejas is not a stealth fighter aircraft.
• AMCA will become India’s indigenous 5th-generation stealth jet.
• The project supports the “Make in India” defence mission.

Inside the Puttaparthi AMCA Project

The AMCA project in Andhra Pradesh is now official. On May 15, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone in Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai district. This site will play a major role in India’s indigenous stealth fighter jet program.

• Puttaparthi facility — fast facts
• Official name: Core Integration & Flight Testing Centre
• Total land: ~650 acres near the Karnataka border
• Construction cost: ₹2,000 crore (~$233 million USD)
• Managed by: ADA — an affiliate of DRDO
• Purpose: Aircraft manufacturing, integration, and flight testing for AMCA and future platforms

Puttaparthi is set to join the exclusive league of global destinations from which a fifth-generation aircraft will take to the skies. — Rajnath Singh, Union Defence Minister | Source: Defence Ministry

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Tata, L&T & Bharat Forge: The Three Contenders

The Defence Ministry has sent the proposal request (RFP) to all three consortiums.

Sources: The Hans India

For TATA L&T Bharat Forge AMCA, this is a historic moment. This is the first time India has entrusted a major fighter jet program primarily to private industry.

This is the first time India has entrusted a major fighter jet program primarily to private industry.
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₹15,000 Crore and Counting — India Is Spending Big on Its Dream Fighter

India’s indigenous 5th-generation fighter jet project has received major government support and funding. The project has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

AMCA Project Budget & Plans:

• Total AMCA project value: ₹15,000 crore
• Puttaparthi facility cost: ₹2,000 crore
• Aircraft planned: 5 flying prototypes + 1 test aircraft
• Final contract award expected in 2027
• The project is a key part of India’s growing defence manufacturing sector.

AMCA Project Timeline — What Happens Next?

The road for the India stealth fighter program is long but clear. Here is the official schedule:

Source: The Researchers, Defence News

India 5th Generation Fighter Jet AMCA: Powering Atmanirbhar Bharat

• India will depend less on foreign fighter jets.
• The jet is expected to be cheaper than imported stealth aircraft.
• Spare parts and maintenance can be handled inside India.
• The project will create many skilled jobs.
• It supports India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) mission.
• A full-size AMCA model was shown at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru.