AMCA FIRST FLIGHT
LCA Mk2, AMCA first flight dates confirmed: Defence Secretary reveals timeline for India’s next-gen fighter jets
India's LCA Mk2 medium weight fighter prototype is expected to fly by September 2027. The country's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA, is targeted for its first flight in September 2028. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh provided clear timelines for these military aircraft programs. Test flights are set to occur between June and September next year. These developments are crucial for enhancing India's air combat capabilities against regional threats.
Air India Phuket-Delhi flight lost hydraulics for seconds: Airbus asks airline to check if it was genuine failure or glitch
An Air India flight experienced a rare hydraulic control loss, injuring 24 passengers. The aircraft's flight data recorders showed a sudden pressure drop across all systems. This incident caused the elevators and ailerons to briefly stop responding to pilot commands. While the captain is under scrutiny, initial data suggests no human error caused the event. Investigators are examining a hydraulic pressure switch to determine the exact cause.
China now has nearly 500 J-20 stealth fighters, says a report. Where does India's AMCA stand?
China's J-20 stealth fighter fleet has significantly expanded, with estimates suggesting around 500 aircraft delivered. This rapid growth reflects increasing domestic manufacturing capabilities and continuous aircraft upgrades. Analysts project the J-20 fleet will continue to grow substantially in coming years. China is also developing other advanced combat aircraft programs alongside the J-20. This expansion highlights China's growing military aviation ambitions and aerospace prowess.
HAL out, Tata and L&T in: IAF pushes ahead with private firms to fulfil India’s AMCA fifth-generation jet dream
India's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program has advanced with the Defence Ministry inviting bids from private firms for its development. Three consortia, including Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro, are vying to build the stealth fighter. Stringent timelines aim for the first prototype flight within 30 months, with serial production slated for the mid-2030s.
Stealth, skies and sovereignty: India's fighter jet plan takes off
The Defence Ministry has issued tenders for India’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to three private sector-led groups — Tata Advanced Systems, the Larsen & Toubro-Bharat Electronics Limited alliance, and the Bharat Forge-BEML combine — marking a major shift from India’s traditional state-led defence production model.
Defence Ministry issues RFP for indigenous 5th-gen Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project to 3 shortlisted bidders
India's Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal for its indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project. Three companies are shortlisted. This initiative aims to boost India's defence capabilities. A new flight testing centre is being established to accelerate development. The AMCA is designed for the Indian Air Force and will incorporate advanced AI features.
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Rajnath Singh, N Chandrababu Naidu launch Combat Aircraft infrastructure facility in Andhra Pradesh
India has officially launched its ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu attended the groundbreaking ceremony. The manufacturing unit for these next-generation stealth fighter jets will be established in Puttaparthi.

Fighter jet production flies to Andhra Pradesh facility; Puttaparthi project likely to get Rs 1 lakh cr investments
India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jets under the AMCA programme will be manufactured in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, with the state cabinet approving 600 acres for Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Rafale one of options, it will be easy to absorb: IAF Chief on MRFA programme
The Indian Air Force considers Rafale jets and other options to bolster its air power. A procurement program for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft is underway. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh stated Rafale remains a front-runner. Other contenders include F-21, F/A-18, and Eurofighter Typhoon. The IAF seeks technology transfer and 'Make in India' proposals.

MiG-21 retires, private defence firms now in the spotlight as HAL lags
After decades of service, the Indian Air Force bid farewell to the MiG-21, a fighter jet with a mixed legacy of combat success and safety concerns. Its retirement highlights delays in India's defense modernization, particularly with the Tejas Mk-1A program facing engine supply bottlenecks.

Engines of Independence: Why the heart of India’s fighter jets must beat at home
India's aerospace sector is striving for complete sovereignty by developing indigenous fighter jet engines. Godrej Enterprises Group, a key player, emphasizes the importance of mastering propulsion technology, drawing from their experience with ISRO and the Kaveri engine program. A pragmatic approach, focusing on incremental development and a hybrid model, is suggested to achieve this goal.

Govt invites Indian cos to build indigenous 5th-gen fighter jet; Rs 15,000 cr budgeted for prototype
India's ambitious fifth-generation fighter aircraft project is now open to Indian companies, inviting both private and public sector participation. The Aeronautical Development Agency seeks qualified firms to develop and build prototypes within eight years, with ₹15,000 crore allocated for prototype development. Leading contenders include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and Adani Defence.

India opens bids for 5th gen stealth fighter jet, sets 2029 flight target
India has formally opened the race to build its first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, the AMCA. In a key move to modernise the Air Force and cut foreign reliance, the government has invited Indian defence firms to bid for development. The project will involve a competitive industry partnership model and aims to deliver six squadrons by 2035. With rival China racing ahead in aerial capabilities, the AMCA is central to India’s long-term security and defence self-reliance.

Air Chief marshal AP Singh flags delays in production of indigenous weapon systems
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh voiced concerns over persistent delays in defence projects, citing unrealistic timelines and their impact on operational readiness at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025. He highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor as a testament to national unity in combating terrorism.

How India is gearing up to clip the wings of Pakistan’s 'made-in-China' 5th-gen fighter jet threat
India is accelerating the development of its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter, opening the project to private companies due to delays and fighter jet shortages. This move aims to counter China's stealth capabilities and address the IAF's need for advanced aircraft.

'Military equipment got war-tested': DRDO chief says defence exports to go up after Operation Sindoor
DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat anticipates a boost in defence exports following Operation Sindoor, as indigenous military equipment has been "war-tested." The execution model for India's AMCA project has been approved, with the first prototype flight expected by the end of 2029 and production starting in 2035. This model encourages private sector participation in fighter aircraft development.

India’s 5th-gen stealth jet: Centre paves way for private cos to enter the race to build AMCA
India's Defence Ministry has greenlit private sector involvement in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, alongside HAL, through competitive bidding. This aims to accelerate the development and production of the fifth-generation stealth fighter. The move comes as the IAF urgently needs to modernize its fleet amid regional advancements, with plans to induct 126 AMCA jets featuring advanced technologies.

Defence exports to go up after Operation Sindoor, says Secretary Defence R&D
DRDO Chairperson Samir V Kamat anticipates a surge in indigenous defence equipment exports following 'Operation Sindoor,' as the conflict has validated their effectiveness. Kamat highlighted that the weapons' performance during the four-day military conflict with Pakistan has instilled confidence among potential importing nations.

HAL shares in focus as firm eyes Rs 2.2 lakh crore order book by 2030
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reported an order book of Rs 1.2 lakh crore, aiming to reach Rs 2.2 lakh crore by 2030. The company is investing Rs 2,500 crore annually in R&D and expanding its production capacity. HAL is actively pursuing major contracts, ramping up aircraft production, and exploring export opportunities. Analysts have a 'Buy' recommendation.

HAL eyes Rs 2.2 lakh cr order book by 2030; expands production
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced an order book of Rs 1.2 lakh crore, expected to reach Rs 2.2 lakh crore by 2030. The company secured orders for 97 Tejas aircraft and 156 Prachanda helicopters, and expanded production to meet demand. HAL is also pursuing export opportunities while investigating the Gujarat crash of the ALH Dhruv fleet.

India’s plan for advanced fighters: LCA Mark2 by 2029, AMCA by 2035
The LCA Mark 2 fighter jets will begin flying by March 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2029. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft's mass production is set for 2035. These timelines were discussed in a recent high-level meeting involving DRDO and the Indian Air Force. Delays were due to funding tied to engine agreements.

New fighter jet version by March, LCA Mk2 by 2027
The LCA Mk1A, which was cleared for procurement by the Centre in 2021, will add the much-needed numbers to the fighter jet strength of the Air Force and is much more capable than the earlier version, as it is equipped with new age radars, electronic warfare systems and mid-air refuelling features.

American GE working with India on jet engines for LCA, AMCA
US GE is open to the transfer of technology to India for the indigenous manufacture of engines for light combat aircraft LCA Mark2 by 2028 as it does not want to lose a big market o Europe.

Talks to produce LCA engines indigenously underway, says DRDO chairman
The DRDO chief's remark comes on the heels of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India will soon produce indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) engines.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates 7-storey R&D facility built by DRDO in record 45 days
"The DRDO has completed the construction of a multi-storey infrastructure for flight control system at ADE Bengaluru with hybrid technology consisting of conventional, pre-engineered and precast methodology in record 45 days," said one of the DRDO officials.

DRDO constructs multi-storey building in 45 days; to house R&D facilities for AMCA project
"The DRDO has completed the construction of a multi-storey infrastructure for flight control system at ADE Bengaluru with hybrid technology consisting of conventional, pre-engineered and precast methodology in record 45 days," said one of the officials.

Defence ministry to seek Cabinet nod for prototype of desi stealth jet
The defence establishment plans to seek the Cabinet Committee on Security’s approval for the detailed design and prototype development of the advanced medium combat aircraft by early next year with the IAF committed to the development of FGFA.

Made-in-Pakistan JF-17 fighter goes global, desi Tejas yet to take off
"Tejas Mark-II is still on the drawing board, with only the preliminary design review being completed till now. The critical design review is far off," said a source.

Tamil Nadu to build India’s next generation defence aircraft
The project — to be implemented in Sulur in Coimbatore district which may house the permanent base of the Tejas squadron — marks Tamil Nadu’s first major defence aircraft project.
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