L&T and BEL Join Forces for India's Next-Gen Stealth Fighter

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), an engineering powerhouse based in India has joined forces with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), to collaborate on the fifth-generation fighter jet program of the country, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

This joint venture is a giant leap toward the development of a high-tech, locally-produced stealth fighter of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

L&T, the high-tech manufacturing expert, and BEL, the defence electronics giant, intend to make a joint proposal to the recent Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) interest call.

The two companies have an excellent history together, since they have been working together on the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, with L&T crafting key aircraft parts and BEL providing advanced electronics and warfare systems. In the case of the AMCA, they will collaborate in order to develop essential elements such as radar, sensors, and structures that are stealth friendly.

India is attempting to become self-reliant in defense, with the AMCA, headed by the ADA under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) being a flagship project. This two-engine jet that is set to become the first prototype in 2028 and enter the IAF in 2030s will have stealth technology, supercruise capabilities of over Mach 1.5 and AI-driven systems.

The project, which is planned to cost more than 15,000 crore, will manufacture 126 jets, with a potential of 500, to make India less reliant on foreign jets, such as the Rafale or Sukhoi Su-30MKI.

"This collaboration with BEL marks a significant leap in our commitment to the modernization of India's defense capabilities," said S N Subrahmanyam, L&T’s Chairman and Managing Director. "Both organizations are leaders in our respective domains, and our combined efforts will play a crucial role in bolstering national security and advancing self-reliance in defense technologies."

The announcement comes as regional tensions, particularly with China’s J-20 stealth jets, highlight the need for India to develop its own advanced fighters. Experts say this collaboration could speed up development and save costs by tapping into private-sector innovation. L&T, fresh off a 30% profit jump to ₹3,617 crore in Q1 FY26, sees defense as a key growth area, making up 15% of its orders.

Also Read: Suzlon to Switch Entire Vehicle Fleet to Electric by 2035

The stock market had mixed reactions: L&T’s shares rose 0.54% to ₹3,678, while BEL’s dipped 1.68% to ₹397.60. Analysts believe this partnership could lead to major contracts, boosting jobs in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. As India aims for 70% local content in defense by 2027, the L&T-BEL team-up is a shining example of public-private collaboration. With their proposal due soon, the AMCA is one step closer to soaring in India’s skies, securing the nation’s future.