Kalyani ties up with BEML, Data Patterns for Amca stealth jet race

Bharat Forge Ltd, part of the $3.5 billion Kalyani Group, is partnering with state-run BEML Ltd and private-sector defence and aerospace electronics firm Data Patterns (India) to respond to the Expression of Interest (Eol) notice issued by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for developing and producing the prototype of India's first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet - the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (Amca), sources told Business Standard on condition of anonymity.

- BHASWAR KUMAR

Full-scale model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, which was showcased at the 15th edition of Aero India in Bengaluru in February this year

(PHOTO: PIB)

The three firms will participate in the Amca programme as a consortium, with Bharat Forge in the lead, the sources said, adding that a memorandum of understanding was signed on Friday.

Pune-headquartered Bharat Forge is a private sector defence player, having secured both domestic and export orders for heavy artillery systems, with a footprint in armoured vehicles and, more recently, small jet engines. Bengaluru-headquartered BEML is a 'Schedule A' company under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), operating across the defence, railways, mining, and construction sectors. Chennai-headquartered Data Patterns, another private sector company, provides indigenous solutions in the areas of radars, electronic warfare, avionics, glass cockpit displays, automatic test equipment, communication systems, and fire control systems.