HAL to bid for licence manufacturing of 5th-gen fighter jet

“In case HAL is not shortlisted for building AMCA prototypes, it does not mean that it will not be part of the AMCA programme when manufacturing starts around 2035. Not participating in stage 1 does not mean we can’t participate in stage 2,” he said.

It is learnt that the process for shortlisting consortia of public and private sector firms that bid for the AMCA project last year is yet to be fully completed. While the initial screening based on technical evaluations has shortlisted three of the seven consortia that bid for the project, the financial evaluations based on cost bids submitted were underway.

The shortlisted consortia will have to build five AMCA prototypes and a structural test specimen.

Sunil told The Indian Express that AMCA being a 10-year programme, HAL had not even factored it in its revenue projections of 10 years.

On Wednesday, HAL, in a statement, said it has a robust confirmed order book, providing strong revenue visibility, and a healthy production and execution pipeline extending up to 2032.

“HAL is simultaneously advancing multiple strategic programmes, including the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), LCA Mk2, and Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), which will further strengthen its technological capabilities and long-term growth prospects. These programmes are expected to enter production post-2032,” the statement had noted.

“HAL is also diversifying its portfolio in the civil aviation segment with platforms such as the Dhruv NG, Hindustan 228 and the SJ 100, which will enhance revenue and provide sustainable growth in the future,” it had said.

Asked about the delay in the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1 A deliveries to the Indian Air Force, he said that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery to IAF, incorporating all major capabilities, including integration of radar, Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, missiles including ASTRA and ASRAAM, and smart bombs.

“Some software upgrade is pending with respect to some radar tests and a particular missile trial, which would also be completed in the next few months, but all other important capabilities have already been incorporated and are ready for delivery to IAF within this financial year,” he said.

Aside from the five jets, which are ready with engines, nine aircraft are also ready with HAL, but the engines are yet to arrive. 10 aircraft are in the process of getting ready.