HAL doesn’t say a word about Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, but confirms a strong order book

State-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Wednesday said it has not received any official notice on reports claiming it has been excluded from the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, even as sources said three private companies have emerged as frontrunners in the fifth-generation fighter project.

In a statement issued amid the mounting speculation, HAL said it is “unable to comment” on the reports at this stage and will keep stakeholders informed once there is official communication. The company also underlined its strong order book and long-term growth plans.

“Several media reports regarding the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program have come to the attention of HAL. HAL has not received any official communication in this regard and is therefore not in a position to comment on these reports at this stage,” the statement said. “HAL would like to reiterate that it has a robust confirmed order book, offering strong revenue visibility, and a healthy production and execution pipeline extending to 2032.”

HAL added that it is simultaneously advancing multiple strategic programs, including the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), LCA Mk2 and the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), which are expected to enter production after 2032. Diversification in civil aviation through platforms like Dhruv NG, Hindustan 228 and SJ 100 was also emphasized to ensure sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, sources told India Today that India’s ambitious AMCA program has taken a decisive turn with HAL no longer in the fray after technical examination of the bids of seven Indian entities. According to sources familiar with the evaluation process, only three private sector companies met the mandatory criteria and have been shortlisted for the next phase.

The shortlisted companies are Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Bharat Forge. These companies will move to the commercial procurement phase and are expected to work with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to produce five flying prototypes and one structural test example of the AMCA.

Sources said the government has made an indicative allocation of Rs 15,000 crore for the prototype development phase. “Once the aircraft is proven and inaugurated, the final contract value will be several times higher,” she added.

The AMCA is expected to become the Indian Air Force’s frontline fighter from the mid-2030s, with initial orders expected to be around 120 jets and the number likely to increase as more advanced variants are developed. Billed as India’s most complex defense aviation programme, the twin-engine stealth fighter will feature low observability, artificial intelligence-based systems, long-range strike capability and manned and unmanned teams.

HAL officials said the company will continue to update stakeholders once there is official communication on the AMCA program, even as the company continues with its existing defense and civil aviation commitments.

– Ends