India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme has entered another important phase with the re-issuance of the development tender incorporating revised eligibility and testing requirements. The updated Request for Proposal (RFP) is aimed at ensuring greater clarity for participating industry partners while maintaining the programme’s aggressive development timeline.
The revised tender follows feedback received from prospective bidders after the initial RFP. According to available information, the updated document refines several technical and procedural aspects, including qualification norms, testing obligations, and programme execution requirements. The objective is to create a more balanced and competitive bidding process while ensuring that only capable industry teams participate in one of India’s most advanced aerospace projects.
The AMCA programme represents India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter initiative and is expected to play a central role in strengthening the Indian Air Force’s future combat capabilities. Developed under the leadership of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the aircraft is designed to feature stealth characteristics, advanced avionics, sensor fusion, internal weapon bays, and next-generation electronic warfare systems.
Under the revised tender schedule, bids are expected to be opened on 28 August 2026, marking the beginning of the next stage of industry competition. The selected development partner will be responsible for prototype manufacturing, systems integration, ground and flight testing, and certification support under ADA’s design oversight.
The programme follows the Ministry of Defence’s industry partnership model, allowing qualified Indian companies or consortia to compete for one of the country’s largest indigenous defence aviation contracts. The approach is intended to expand private-sector participation in strategic aerospace programmes while accelerating indigenous capability development.
Once the contract is awarded, the successful bidder will undertake the development of multiple flying prototypes along with structural test articles and supporting infrastructure required for certification. The programme is expected to pave the way for serial production of the AMCA in the next decade, providing the Indian Air Force with an indigenous stealth fighter capable of operating in highly contested environments.
The re-issued tender underscores the government’s commitment to keeping the AMCA programme on schedule while refining procurement procedures based on industry feedback. As competition intensifies among Indian aerospace firms, the outcome of the bidding process will significantly influence the future of India’s indigenous combat aircraft ecosystem.