HAL, private companies to compete for AMCA prototype contract: MoD

In a first that could end state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL’s) monopoly in building fighter jets, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday said the country’s private and public defence companies will have equal opportunity and will compete to develop the prototype of the indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, dubbed the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

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This follows the execution model approved the same day by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for the AMCA programme, to be implemented by design agency Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) through industry partnership.

Describing the approval of the execution model as a significant push towards enhancing the country's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust aerospace industrial ecosystem, the MoD said the approach provides "equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on competitive basis".

Private and public defence players can bid to participate in the AMCA development programme independently, as a joint venture (JV), or as consortium.

The bidders should be Indian companies compliant with the laws and regulations of the country, the ministry added.