India opens its stealth fighter jet programme to private players

Developers of India’s stealth fighter jet have opened doors for private players. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), under development by the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) for close to two decades, is a fifth-generation, medium-weight, multirole, and twin-engine aircraft. The AMCA will put India in a select group of countries with super-cruise and stealth aircraft capabilities—the others being the US, Russia and China.

The jet is in an advanced stage of development, with the critical design review completed. It’s awaiting nod for additional funds from the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) to manufacture prototypes. To keep the programme running smoothly, the ADA has opened doors for private players to join them in development of the jet.