Tech Desk: India is embarking on an exceptionally ambitious journey for its indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with a firm target for the first prototype’s maiden flight set for September 2028. This accelerated timeline signifies a profound commitment to enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities through self-reliance and cutting-edge aerospace engineering.

Central to achieving this demanding objective, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is in the final stages of selecting a private-sector partner. Following an extended Request for Proposal (RFP) period, final bids are due on October 30, 2026, from formidable industry consortia, including Tata Advanced Systems, a Larsen & Toubro-led group, and a Bharat Forge-led consortium. Notably, state-run HAL did not qualify for this prototype manufacturing phase. The chosen entity will be tasked with producing five flying prototypes and one structural test airframe, initially powered by General Electric F414 engines, under a stringent contractual deadline of 30 months from agreement signing for the inaugural flight.

Concurrently, a massive new infrastructure project is rapidly taking shape in Andhra Pradesh. The foundation stone was laid in May 2026 for a sprawling ADA Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Centre in Puttaparthi, which will feature a 10,000-foot runway, air traffic control, and comprehensive meteorological systems. This dedicated facility will serve as the nerve centre for the AMCA’s integration, power-up testing, validation, and certification. It is designed to support an intensive flight test programme involving approximately 1,800 sorties over 84 months before the platform can transition to series production. The Indian Air Force ultimately anticipates inducting seven AMCA squadrons starting around 2035, marking a monumental leap for India AMCA first flight project and the nation’s indigenous air defence future.