SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development in India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, Mahindra Defence Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, has dropped out of contention to participate in the supply chain for the country’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. According to industry sources, Tata Systems and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have emerged as the frontrunners, not only as key players in the AMCA supply chain but also as leaders of a private sector consortium tasked with overseeing the aircraft’s production.
Traditionally, HAL has been the cornerstone of India’s military aviation manufacturing, producing aircraft like the Tejas LCA and Su-30MKI under license. However, the AMCA program marks a strategic shift, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) opting for a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) approach involving both public and private sector entities. The SPV is responsible for the development and production of the AMCA.
Mahindra Defence Systems, despite its growing presence in India’s defense sector, failed to make the cit for the AMCA supply chain and production consortium. The company, known for its work in armored vehicles, artillery systems, and naval applications, had initially expressed interest in contributing to the AMCA program. However, its lack of substantial experience in constructing aircraft fuselages or assembling fighter jets in recent years appears to have been a decisive factor in its exclusion.
Tata Systems, part of the Tata Group’s expansive defense portfolio, and L&T, a heavyweight in engineering and defense manufacturing, have solidified their positions as the leading contenders for the AMCA program. Both companies bring a wealth of experience and infrastructure that align with the program’s technical and industrial requirements.
While Tata Systems and L&T have emerged as frontrunners, the composition of the private sector consortium remains under process. Several other companies initially in the running have either lost out or withdrawn due to stringent eligibility criteria, particularly the requirement for prior experience in fuselage construction or aircraft assembly. Firms lacking this expertise—such as those focused on electronics, software, or ground-based systems—have found it challenging to qualify for a program of the AMCA’s complexity.
The consortium’s final lineup will likely include additional players to handle subsystems like avionics, radar, and propulsion components, complementing the core manufacturing roles of Tata and L&T. HAL, with its minority stake, will provide technical oversight, contribute critical assemblies (such as engines and landing gear), and ensure compliance with IAF specifications, leveraging its decades of experience in fighter jet production.
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