Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in joint venture with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), expects the contract award for India’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter by Q4 of fiscal year 2026-27. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under the Ministry of Defence, is leading the project to develop a medium-weight stealth fighter with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and multi-spectral sensor fusion to modernize the Indian Air Force’s air combat capabilities. The shortlist of eligible bidders is anticipated between October and December 2025, followed by Request for Proposal issuance and final contract award by early 2027. L&T-BEL, having contributed significantly to the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas program, brings key expertise, marking a landmark private sector involvement in fifth-generation fighter development. This initiative aims to enhance India’s strategic autonomy and counter regional air power threats, with the first prototype slated for 2027 and production expected by 2035.