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My Article published on the EurasianTimes website on 01 Jun 25.
India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology has reached a pivotal milestone with the approval of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model on May 26, 2025. This model, greenlit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, introduces a collaborative and competitive framework to accelerate the development of India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence, the AMCA is a 25-tonne, twin-engine, multirole stealth aircraft intended to bolster the Indian airpower capabilities by 2035. The new execution model emphasises private sector involvement, international collaboration, and a competitive bidding process, significantly departing from traditional defence procurement practices.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. AMCA is India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet program, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed as a multirole, twin-engine aircraft, the AMCA aims to replace ageing fleets such as the SEPECAT Jaguar and Mirage 2000, while complementing the Rafale and future Tejas Mk2 in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The 25-tonne, twin-engine AMCA features stealth shaping, internal weapons bays, and advanced sensor fusion. It is intended to excel in air superiority, deep strike, and electronic warfare missions. It will have an advanced avionics suite, Indigenous AESA radar, and potentially AI-based mission systems. The aircraft is envisioned in two phases: Mark 1 with current-generation technologies and imported engines, and Mark 2 incorporating Indigenous sixth-generation features and an Indian powerplant. The AMCA is strategically significant as it will enhance India’s air combat capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign platforms.
Strategic Significance of AMCA. The AMCA is not just a defence project but a strategic lever and India’s entry ticket into the elite club of fifth-generation fighter operators. The AMCA program is critical to countering regional threats, particularly from China and Pakistan. China’s deployment of J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, with plans to supply 40 J-35s to Pakistan, underscores the urgency of AMCA’s development. The IAF’s modernisation drive, aiming for 42 squadrons by 2035, relies on the AMCA to maintain a technological edge. The collaborative model’s success could position India among the elite nations with fifth-generation fighters, alongside the US, China, and Russia.
Historical Progress: Bottlenecks. The AMCA program was conceived in the early 2010s as a follow-on to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. However, despite its strategic importance, progress was tepid due to multiple challenges. Initial timelines projected a first flight by 2020 and production by 2025, but these slipped to 2028 and 2038-39 due to funding constraints and bureaucratic delays. The program’s preliminary design phase began in 2015, with CCS approval only in 2024. The Tejas program’s prolonged development (from the 1980s to the late 2010s) is a cautionary tale, highlighting systemic issues in India’s defence ecosystem. The program lacked an empowered governance structure, slow decision-making, and HAL’s overburdened capacity. The absence of an indigenous high-thrust engine has been a persistent hurdle for the program; the Kaveri engine program’s inability to meet requirements forced reliance on foreign engines, delaying self-reliance. India lacked expertise in advanced technologies and high-thrust engines, necessitating foreign collaboration. The withdrawal from the Indo-Russian FGFA project in 2018 due to disagreements over technology transfer forced a fully indigenous approach, increasing technical risks. The new execution model addresses many of these issues by decentralising authority, attracting capital, and professionalising development.
Boosting the AMCA Program
Collaborative Execution Model. Announced on May 26, 2025, the AMCA Programme Execution Model introduces a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, moving away from the traditional reliance on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the sole manufacturer. The new model proposes a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)-based framework, with a private sector partner who will work alongside the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under this model, the ADA will issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) to public and private entities, allowing them to bid independently or as consortia. The model offers flexibility to include global OEMs as technology partners or equity stakeholders in the SPV. This shift signifies a bold experiment breaking free from India’s traditionally state-dominated defence production ecosystem. It promises to enhance project accountability, bring commercial rigour to execution, and facilitate foreign direct investment and technology infusion. The competitive approach aims to streamline development, reduce costs, and integrate cutting-edge technologies. One of the most progressive steps is to move from a nomination-based to a competitive merit-based selection model. The collaborative model is expected to provide several key benefits to the AMCA program.
Encouraging Efficiency and Speed. By involving private sector firms alongside HAL, the model diversifies the production base, reducing bottlenecks associated with a single manufacturer. Private companies would bring agility, innovation, and financial muscle, which can accelerate manufacturing and delivery timelines. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has emphasised reducing timelines. Firms will be incentivised to optimise costs and timelines to win bids, reducing the bureaucratic delays that plagued earlier phases of the AMCA program. The Combined Quality Cum Cost Based System (CQCCBS) model will evaluate bids based on technical and financial merits, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Technology Integration. Including private firms would enable access to advanced manufacturing techniques and expertise in composites, avionics, and AI. The collaboration is expected to enhance the AMCA’s technological edge, aligning it with global fifth-generation standards.
Economic and Industrial Growth. The model would foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem, generating employment and technological advancements. By distributing work packages among private firms, the program stimulates investment in infrastructure and skilled workforce development, aligning with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision for self-reliance.
Risk Mitigation. The collaborative approach spreads financial and technical risks across multiple stakeholders, reducing the burden on HAL and the government. This is particularly crucial given the program’s history of delays and funding shortages.
Technological Challenges
However, challenges remain. Establishing fighter jet manufacturing facilities requires significant investment, and private firms may face hurdles in acquiring land, infrastructure, and skilled labour. Scepticism persists about their ability to match HAL’s experience, which could lead to initial teething issues. The AMCA’s development involves overcoming significant technological hurdles, particularly in stealth and engine capabilities.
Stealth Technology. Achieving a low radar cross-section (RCS) is critical for the AMCA’s fifth-generation credentials. The AMCA incorporates a twin-tail layout, platform edge alignment, and diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) with serpentine ducts to conceal engine fan blades. However, refining radar deflection capabilities is essential. India is developing RAM to reduce RCS, with IIT Kanpur’s Anālakṣhya Meta-material Surface Cloaking System (MSCS) enhancing stealth against Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Scaling this technology for industrial production remains a challenge. Stealth design compromises aerodynamics, reducing manoeuvrability. Balancing these aspects requires advanced computational modelling and wind-tunnel testing.
Engine Capabilities. The AMCA’s supercruise and thrust vectoring requirements demand a high-thrust engine, posing significant challenges. India’s lack of indigenous jet engine technology remains a bottleneck. Achieving sustained supersonic flight without afterburners and enabling thrust vectoring for enhanced manoeuvrability requires advanced engine designs. Integrating these systems into the AMCA’s airframe is technically demanding. The Kaveri engine project highlighted the gaps in materials science and manufacturing precision, necessitating foreign expertise.
International Collaboration
The AMCA program’s success hinges on robust private sector and international partners participation. Opening the doors to foreign OEMs and global collaboration is a key differentiator of the new model. Foreign OEMs from Russia, France, the UK, and the US are expected to play a crucial role, particularly in addressing technological gaps. Several roles are envisioned for global partners.
Collaborations ensure technology transfer, critical for building India’s aerospace capabilities. Technology transfer is expected, particularly for stealth shaping, radar-absorbing materials (RAM), advanced avionics, and sensors. Foreign partners can provide expertise in radar-absorbing materials, low-observable designs, and AESA radar systems. The US, with its F-35 program, and Russia, with the Su-57, offer valuable insights, though India’s withdrawal from the Indo-Russian FGFA project in 2018 underscores its focus on indigenous control.
India lacks an indigenous jet engine for the project. The AMCA Mk-1 will use GE Aerospace F414 engines (98 kN), while the Mk-2 requires a 110-120 kN engine. France’s Safran is in advanced talks for co-development, leveraging offset obligations from the Rafale deal. Rolls-Royce has offered to co-design and co-develop, allowing India to retain IP rights. Russia’s expertise in thrust vectoring and the US’s advanced engine technologies are also under consideration. Collaboration with GE (U.S.), Safran (France), or Rolls-Royce (UK) is vital.
Implications for HAL: From Monopoly to Competition
HAL, long seen as India’s defence aviation behemoth, now faces a significant paradigm shift. While HAL will remain a stakeholder in the AMCA program, it will no longer enjoy uncontested leadership. Its role is expected to evolve from sole integrator to collaborator, contributing expertise in production, system integration, and testing infrastructure. This transformation could prove beneficial if HAL adapts proactively. However, the threat of being sidelined if it fails to remain competitive could motivate internal reforms, increase efficiency, and push HAL toward greater innovation and collaboration. Including foreign OEMs and private firms in the AMCA program will have profound implications for HAL.
Shift from Monopoly to Competition. HAL’s role as the default manufacturer is no longer guaranteed. It must now bid alongside private giants, which could challenge its dominance but also push it to improve efficiency and innovation.
Technology Transfer Opportunities. Collaboration with foreign OEMs like Safran (France) and Rolls-Royce (UK) for engine development offers HAL access to advanced technologies. However, HAL must navigate intellectual property (IP) agreements to ensure India retains significant control.
Capacity Constraints. HAL’s current workload strains its resources, including 180 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft and four Tejas Mk-2 prototypes. The competitive model would allow HAL to focus on core competencies like final assembly while outsourcing subassemblies to private firms, potentially alleviating pressure.
Challenges Ahead
While the execution model marks a shift, several hurdles remain.
SPV Selection & Governance. Choosing the right private partner with financial depth, technical competence, and political neutrality is critical.
IP Ownership. Managing intellectual property rights, especially with foreign OEMs, will require legal finesse.
Funding Certainty. The AMCA requires an estimated ₹15,000–20,000 crore for development. Ensuring uninterrupted funding from all stakeholders will be vital.
Workforce & Skill Gaps. India’s aerospace talent pool must scale up to meet the design, integration, and production demands.
Export Potential. Safeguards and foreign collaboration agreements should not hinder India from exporting the platform to friendly nations.
Conclusion
The announcement of a collaborative execution model for AMCA on 26 May 2025 could be the inflexion point the program needed. The model addresses historical delays and technological gaps by fostering competition, involving private firms, and leveraging international expertise. While HAL’s role remains pivotal, shifting toward a diversified production base could redefine India’s defence manufacturing landscape. For a nation striving for strategic autonomy, technological self-reliance, and regional superiority, the success of the AMCA is non-negotiable. However, its execution depends on how well India can manage the complex dynamics of competition, collaboration, and capability development. If the SPV model succeeds, it could become the blueprint for all future high-tech defence platforms in India—from UAVs to next-gen submarines.
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Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
References:-
Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Press Release: “Collaborative Execution Model for AMCA Programme Announced”, 26 May 2025.
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Overview of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme.
Pubby, Manu. “India’s AMCA fighter jet project to get private sector partner.” The Economic Times, May 2025.
Unnithan, Sandeep. “How AMCA Will Shape India’s Future Air Power.” India Today Defence, April 2025.
Raju, R. “Challenges in India’s Military Jet Engine Development.” ORF Occasional Paper No. 404, Observer Research Foundation, 2024.
Joshi, Manoj. “India’s Quest for Strategic Autonomy through Defence Indigenisation.” Centre for Policy Research, 2023.
DRDO Annual Report 2023–24. Chapter on Aeronautics R&D and Indigenous Fighter Programs.
GlobalSecurity.org. “AMCA – Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (India).”
FlightGlobal. “India Eyes Foreign Partners for AMCA Jet Engine Collaboration.” March 2024.
Vivek, Raghuvanshi. “India’s AMCA Jet to Fly with GE Engine Initially, Indigenous Powerplant Planned Later.” Defence News, July 2024.
Roy, Shubhajit. “France’s Safran Proposes Joint Development of Jet Engine for India’s AMCA.” The Indian Express, January 2024.
Singh, Abhijit Iyer-Mitra. “Fifth-Generation Fighter Development: Why India Needs to Rethink.” VIF Brief, Vivekananda International Foundation, 2023.
My Article was published in the Life of Soldier Journal on April 25.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been in the spotlight for its recent achievements and challenges. The company has secured significant defence contracts, including a deal for LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets and a substantial agreement for Indigenous helicopters. HAL has also made strides in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities. However, the company has faced scrutiny over production delays and concerns raised by the Indian Air Force regarding aircraft availability.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been a stalwart in the pursuit of indigenisation, a strategic move to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and bolster national security. Key initiatives include the induction of HAL’s Tejas fighter jets, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) development, and the procurement of indigenous helicopters like the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. The IAF’s investments in indigenous UAVs, radars, and advanced weapon systems are a testament to its commitment to enhancing self-reliance. While challenges persist, a collaborative effort between the IAF, HAL, and private industry is pivotal in realising India’s vision of a robust and self-sufficient aerospace defence ecosystem.
India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence aviation has been long and complex, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) playing pivotal roles. Achievements, setbacks, and continued aspirations for indigenisation have marked the relationship between these two institutions. While HAL has been the backbone of India’s military aviation industry, the IAF has often raised concerns over delays, quality issues, and technological limitations. This article explores the evolution of this partnership, its challenges, and the way forward for India’s indigenous aerospace ambitions.
HAL was founded in 1940 as Hindustan Aircraft Limited and nationalised in 1964. Over the decades, it has been responsible for manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining various aircraft for the IAF, ranging from early license-built fighters to the Indigenous Tejas fighter jet. HAL has played a crucial role in India’s defence self-sufficiency by working on aircraft like the HF-24 Marut, Dhruv helicopters, and, more recently, the LCA Tejas and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) projects.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has always been a strong advocate for the development of indigenous defence production capability, a key result area for the IAF. The IAF has played a crucial role in creating an aerospace ecosystem in India, operating indigenously built aircraft and those built by HAL under licence production, which has given impetus to the indigenous industry in the past. The IAF’s support for indigenised inductions and projects is evident in its involvement in the following initiatives:
Induction of LCA (IOC, FOC, Mk I and Mk 1A) and support to LCA Mk II and AMCA.
Induction of Ajeet and HF-24 Marut ac in the past.
Induction of AEW&C ac and support to indigenous AWACS project.
Induction of indigenous helicopter ALH and support to LCH.
Induction of Trainer aircraft (Kiran Mk I and Mk II, HT-2, HPT & HTT-40 aircraft).
Support to the replacement of Avro aircraft through the make-in-India route.
Integration and operationalisation of Astra Air to Air Missile and Brahmos Air to surface missiles.
Integration of weapons like the New Generation Anti-tank Missile, Smart anti-airfield weapons, new generation anti-radiation missiles, and Glide bombs.
IAF’s Dependence on HAL. HAL’s contribution to the IAF has been significant, with aircraft like the MiG-21, Jaguar, Su-30MKI, and Hawk trainers being produced or assembled under license. However, the IAF has sometimes expressed concerns over HAL’s efficiency, particularly regarding production delays, maintenance backlogs, and a lack of cutting-edge technology. The slow pace of the LCA Tejas program and delays in upgrades of existing fleets have strained the relationship between the two.
Success Stories: HAL’s Contributions to IAF. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been the cornerstone of India’s military aviation industry, supporting the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over eight decades. From license-producing early-generation fighters to developing Indigenous aircraft and helicopters, HAL has made significant strides in enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence aviation. Despite facing challenges, its contributions have been instrumental in shaping the IAF’s combat capabilities, a fact that we, as a nation, should deeply appreciate and respect.
HAL’s association with the IAF began with the production of British-origin Hawker Tempest aircraft in the 1940s. However, its true contribution to India’s air power started in the 1960s when it began license manufacturing the MiG-21 under Soviet collaboration. The MiG-21 became the backbone of the IAF for decades, with HAL producing over 600 aircraft. These fighters played a crucial role in conflicts like the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the Kargil War (1999). During the same period, HAL made its first attempt at designing an indigenous fighter—the HF-24 Marut, India’s first home-grown jet. The lessons learned from this project laid the foundation for future indigenous aircraft programs. In the 1980s, HAL was critical in assembling and maintaining the SEPECAT Jaguar, a deep-strike fighter that remains a vital part of the IAF’s fleet. HAL later upgraded the Jaguar under the DARIN modernisation programs, equipping it with modern avionics and weaponry.
Su-30MKI: The Backbone of the IAF. One of HAL’s biggest success stories has been the license production of the Su-30MKI, India’s premier air superiority fighter. Since the early 2000s, HAL has built over 270 Su-30MKIs, making them the most numerous and capable aircraft in the IAF’s fleet. The company has also integrated indigenous systems into the Su-30MKI, such as BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missiles, further enhancing its strike capability.
LCA Tejas: India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is a landmark achievement for HAL and India’s defence industry. After initial delays, Tejas was inducted into the IAF. The improved Tejas Mk1A, featuring advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and upgraded weapons, is expected to be inducted soon. Developing the Tejas Mk2, Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), and fifth-generation AMCA showcases HAL’s progress toward advanced indigenous fighters.
Indigenous Helicopters: ALH Dhruv, LCH, and LUH. HAL strengthened the IAF’s rotary-wing capabilities with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and its armed variant, Rudra. Another significant achievement is the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, designed for high-altitude operations in Ladakh and Siachen. HAL has also developed the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to replace ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
The Challenges
Despite HAL’s significant contributions to the Indian Air Force (IAF), several challenges continue to hinder their partnership, affecting operational readiness and modernisation efforts. One of the most pressing concerns is production delays, which have consistently impacted the induction of critical platforms. The slow pace of Tejas fighter production, delays in the upgrade program, and prolonged timelines for overhauls have led to capability gaps in the IAF. These setbacks have forced the IAF to rely on older aircraft, delaying modernisation. Another significant issue is quality control, with HAL facing criticism over the reliability of its manufactured and overhauled aircraft. The users have raised concerns about technical faults, maintenance inefficiencies, and accidents of some HAL-built platforms, leading to questions about overall workmanship and durability. HAL’s slow adoption of new technologies has also affected India’s ability to match global defence standards. Unlike leading aerospace firms, HAL struggles with R&D investments and innovation, leading to dependence on foreign suppliers for engines, avionics, and weapon systems.
The Way Ahead for HAL: Strengthening India’s Aerospace Future
It is time for HAL to leave behind past setbacks, tackle challenges, and move on with renewed determination. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) must adopt a multi-pronged approach. Enhancing innovation, investing in R&D, fostering collaborations, and streamlining production can make it a stronger, future-ready HAL that is ready to drive India’s aerospace future, ensuring self-reliance and global competitiveness in defence manufacturing.
Enhancing Production Efficiency. HAL needs to streamline its manufacturing and assembly processes to reduce production delays. Modern automation, digital manufacturing, and lean production techniques can significantly reduce production time. Strengthening supply chains and increasing outsourcing to private-sector firms will also boost production efficiency.
Strengthening Quality Control. HAL must revamp its quality assurance mechanisms to address users’ concerns. A stringent inspection and testing framework at every stage of aircraft manufacturing and overhaul processes will ensure higher reliability and safety. Implementing global best practices and learning from established aerospace giants can help improve production standards.
Investing in Advanced R&D. One of HAL’s most significant drawbacks is its slow pace of technological innovation. To bridge this gap, HAL must increase investments in indigenous research and development (R&D), particularly in engines, avionics, stealth technology, and composite materials. Stronger collaboration with DRDO, ISRO, and academic institutions can accelerate innovation in next-generation aircraft and air combat systems.
Strengthening the Private Sector Collaboration. Public-private partnerships will be key to HAL’s future success. Companies like Tata, L&T, and Mahindra Defence are emerging as strong players in the defence aviation sector. HAL must leverage these partnerships for joint development, co-production, and component outsourcing, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Reforming Organisational and Management Structure. HAL must transition from a bureaucratic public-sector enterprise to a more agile, corporate-driven entity to compete globally. Introducing performance-based accountability, faster decision-making mechanisms, and strategic planning frameworks will enable HAL to operate more efficiently.
Commitment to Future Programs. HAL must stay committed to high-priority projects like the Tejas Mk II, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF). These programs will define the future of Indian military aviation and ensure long-term self-reliance.
Focusing on Export Potential. HAL must actively market its aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs to international customers. The Tejas LCA, LCH Prachand, and Dhruv helicopters have attracted global interest. Expanding exports will generate revenue and establish India as a key defence exporter.
Conclusion
HAL stands at a crucial juncture and must evolve into a world-class defence aerospace manufacturer. By focusing on efficiency, innovation, private sector collaboration, and exports, HAL can not only strengthen the IAF but also contribute significantly to India’s goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
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Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
