Government kick-starts mega AMCA stealth fighter jet programme

📌 Summary:

• Ministry of Defence (May 27, 2026) issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to three shortlisted bidders
• Three shortlisted entities: (1) L&T–Bharat Electronics Ltd consortium; (2) Tata Advanced Systems; (3) Bharat Forge–BEML consortium
• HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) deliberately kept out of the process — signalling broader private-sector participation
• Selection to be completed in 4–5 months based on technical + commercial evaluations; 5 prototypes to be built
• Selected entity will partner with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under MoD
• AMCA features: stealth airframe, advanced avionics, supercruise capability, reduced radar signature
• May 15, 2026 — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra CM N. Chandrababu Naidu laid foundation stone for ₹15,803-crore AMCA infrastructure in Sri Sathya Sai district (AP)
• Programme Execution Model (approved last year) allows private/PSU/JV/consortium participation; framework anchored in Make in India
• Earlier Expression of Interest had drawn 3 industry responses, which became today's shortlist

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Science & Tech (Defence indigenisation); Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace; defence procurement reforms (private sector entry); strategic autonomy and 5th-gen combat aviation capability

📝 Prelims Facts:

• AMCA = Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft; fifth-generation stealth jet
• Executing agency: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under DRDO/MoD
• 3 shortlisted bidders: L&T+BEL; Tata Advanced Systems; Bharat Forge+BEML (HAL excluded)
• 5 prototypes planned; infrastructure outlay ₹15,803 crore in Sri Sathya Sai district, AP
• Capabilities: stealth, supercruise, advanced avionics, low radar signature

🔑 Key Term: Supercruise — sustained supersonic flight without using afterburners; a defining capability of fifth-generation fighter jets that reduces fuel burn and infrared signature, extending range and survivability.