HAL Seeks Private Partners for AMCA Joint Production with 12.5% Stake Offer
In a significant move aimed at bolstering India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to select four private Indian companies as partners for the production of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This collaboration is pivotal to India’s push for self-reliance in aerospace technology, particularly in the development of a fifth-generation fighter jet.
Joint Venture and Collaborative Manufacturing Model
The initiative involves the formation of a Joint Venture (JV) where HAL will retain a 50% stake, while each private partner will hold a 12.5% share. The work will be divided into key “work packages,” with each private company tasked with manufacturing a major assembly of the AMCA, such as the front fuselage, center fuselage, rear fuselage, and wings & tail. The JV aims to streamline production, bringing specialized manufacturing expertise from private industry to complement HAL’s leadership in aircraft integration and quality control.
Production Timeline and Air Force Requirements
The production roadmap set in the EOI anticipates the assembly of 126 AMCA units starting from the financial year 2035-36. Initial production will be at a rate of nine units per year, increasing to ten units annually after 2039-40. The Indian Air Force (IAF) expects to require around 90-126 units, with the first prototype expected to fly by 2028-2029.
Selection Process and Private Sector Involvement
HAL is looking for companies with strong capabilities in aerospace manufacturing and assembly integration. The selection process will focus on firms that can meet the high technical demands of producing a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including advanced stealth capabilities and integration of cutting-edge avionics.
