Consortium led by Bharat Forge to develop AMCA fighter jet

Bharat Forge Ltd, part of the Kalyani Group, has partnered with Data Patterns (India) Ltd and BEML Ltd to development the prototype for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.

Bharat Forge would lead the consortium and had signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, as per sources.  This follows the Expression of Interest (EoI) issued by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the design agency under the Ministry of Defence.

The EoI was floated under the Ministry of Defence in June to shortlist Indian firms for developing and prototyping the stealth jet and help with its testing and certification. The last day to submit the proposal is September 30.

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Bharat Forge based in Pune has established a defense portfolio for artillery systems, armoured vehicles, and small jet engines. BEML is a ‘Schedule A’ company that operates in defence, mining, railways, and construction. Data Patterns, which is based in Chennai supports Indigenous technologies in avionic systems, radars, fire control and electronic warfare systems.

The government sees the AMCA programme as a way to set up a misguided helicopter jet production line with private sector involvement beyond Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. After the evaluations have finished, the ADA will approach eligible companies to submit bids for building five prototypes, and for building a structural test specimen.

The expectation is the first flight of the AMCA will happen by 2028–29, and series production will commence around 2035. The Indian Air Force plans to induct 126 jets for seven squadrons of the advanced stealth aircraft.