HAL, private firms to compete for Amca prototype contract: Defence ministry

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approves stealth jet programme execution model, which provides equal opportunity to both private- and public-sector players on a competitive basis

In a move that could end state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL’s) monopoly in building fighter jets, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday said the country’s private and public defence companies would get equal opportunity and compete to develop the prototype of the indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, dubbed the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (Amca).

 

This follows the execution model approved for the Amca programme by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday. The programme will be implemented by design agency Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) through industry partnership.

 

Describing the approval of the execution model as a significant push towards enhancing the