India is concentrating on expanding the involvement of the private sector in its domestic fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project as the US and Russia pressure it to sell its F-35 and Su-57 fighter fighters. Under the leadership of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Defence Ministry has formed a committee to investigate methods to include the private sector more in the development of these cutting-edge fighter jets. The Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a significant aerospace public sector organization, are represented on the committee.
The government is looking at a number of methods for private sector involvement, including as collaborations where private companies help with design and development or joint ventures between HAL and private corporations.
It is unlikely that the public sector entity will be completely disregarded, though, considering HAL’s vast experience in aerospace manufacturing. Significant work is currently outsourced by HAL to private firms including Azad Engineering, Godrej, and L&T.
The AMCA was recently on display at Aero India 2025 in Bangalore. It was created for the Indian Air Force by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Combining cutting-edge AI features like multi-sensor data fusion, a pilot decision support system, and autonomous target identification, this 25-ton aircraft is built to have both manned and unmanned teaming capabilities.
The integration of AI is expected to enhance the aircraft’s operational capabilities, making it one of the most advanced fifth-generation fighters globally. The TATA Group is another key player with experience in aircraft integration, currently working
The AI-powered electronic pilot includes a combined vision system for navigation in low visibility, a pilot decision support system, an automatic target identification system, and multi-sensor data fusion to improve situational awareness.
The ADA claims that integrating AI into AMCA aircraft will help the agency further its development efforts. Additionally, it will enable the AMCA aircraft to improve their operational capabilities, making them one of the most cutting-edge 5th generation fighter aircraft available today.
