Larsen & Toubro has partnered with Bharat Electronics Limited to support India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, the country’s fifth-generation stealth fighter project. The partnership combines L&T’s defense and aerospace expertise with BEL’s defense electronics and systems capabilities. Both companies have previously collaborated on the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, providing major aerostructure modules and developing mission-critical avionics and electronics. The AMCA programme aims to develop a single-seat, twin-engine, multi-role stealth combat aircraft capable of air superiority, ground strikes, suppression of enemy air defences, and electronic warfare.
In a significant development that underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has entered into a strategic partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to support the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme of the Indian Air Force. This collaboration aims to leverage the combined expertise of both companies in aerospace and defense electronics to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft indigenously The AMCA programme is a pivotal initiative by the Indian Ministry of Defence to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force with an advanced, indigenous stealth fighter. The collaboration between.
L&T and BEL is aligned with the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat, (L&T’s Role) emphasizing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By combining L&T’s proficiency in developing strategic defense and aerospace platforms with BEL’s strength in defense electronics and systems, the partnership seeks to deliver a cutting-edge, high-quality solution for the Indian Air Force L&T brings to the table its extensive experience in engineering and manufacturing complex aerospace systems. The company is expected to handle the integration of various subsystems and the overall platform development. BEL, on the other hand, will provide advanced avionics, including the Uttam AESA.
Legacy of Collaboration
Radar, a key component for the AMCA’s capabilities. The Uttam radar is an indigenous active electronically scanned array radar developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a laboratory of the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) The synergy between L&T and BEL is not new. Both companies have previously collaborated on the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, providing major aero-structure modules and developing mission-critical avionics and electronic systems. This prior experience lays a solid foundation for their current partnership, ensuring a seamless integration of their respective capabilities.
The AMCA programme is expected to follow a structured timeline, with the prototype rollout anticipated by 2028–29, the first flight in 2029, service introduction by 2034, and series production by 2035. The involvement of L&T and BEL in this project is expected to set a benchmark for future (Metro) defense collaborations in India, fostering innovation and self-reliance in the sector The strategic partnership between L&T and BEL marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards achieving self-reliance in defense technology. By combining their strengths, the two companies are poised to deliver a world-class fifth-generation fighter aircraft that will enhance the Indian Air Force’s capabilities and contribute to national security.
