HAL Says No Official Word on AMCA Programme, Reaffirms Strong Order Book and Long-Term Growth

State-owned aerospace and defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Wednesday said it has not received any official communication regarding media reports suggesting that it has been dropped from India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The clarification comes amid growing speculation that private sector firms have taken the lead in the development of the country’s fifth-generation fighter jet.

Addressing the reports, HAL stated that it is currently “not in a position to comment” on the matter, as no formal notification has been conveyed to the company by the government or the programme authorities. The company added that it would keep stakeholders informed if and when any official communication is received.

At the same time, HAL sought to reassure investors and observers by highlighting its strong financial and operational fundamentals, pointing to a healthy and confirmed order book that provides long-term revenue visibility.

“HAL has come across certain media reports on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. HAL is not in a position to comment on these reports at this time as it has not received any official communication in this regard,” the company said in an official statement. “HAL would like to reiterate that it has a robust confirmed order book, providing strong revenue visibility, and a healthy production and execution pipeline extending up to 2032.”

The company further emphasised that it continues to pursue multiple strategic programmes that are critical to India’s defence and aerospace ecosystem. Among the major projects in HAL’s pipeline are the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2, and the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS). These platforms are expected to transition into production beyond 2032 and form a key pillar of HAL’s future growth.

In addition to defence aviation, HAL underlined its diversification strategy in the civil aviation segment. Platforms such as the Dhruv Next Generation (Dhruv NG), Hindustan 228, and the SJ 100 are being positioned to strengthen the company’s footprint in non-military aerospace manufacturing and services.

Meanwhile, according to sources cited by India Today, HAL is no longer among the contenders for the AMCA programme following a technical evaluation of proposals submitted by seven Indian companies. People familiar with the review process said that only three private sector firms met the stipulated technical criteria and were subsequently shortlisted for the next phase.

The companies reportedly advancing to the commercial bidding stage are Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Bharat Forge, and Tata Advanced Systems. These firms are expected to work in close coordination with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to build one structural test specimen and five flying prototypes of the AMCA.

Sources further indicated that the government has earmarked approximately ₹15,000 crore for the prototype development phase of the programme. “Once the aircraft is proven and inducted into service, the final contract value is expected to be several times higher,” they added, underlining the long-term scale of the project.

The AMCA is envisioned as the Indian Air Force’s frontline combat aircraft from the mid-2030s onwards. Initial procurement is expected to be around 120 aircraft, with the possibility of higher numbers as more advanced variants are developed over time.

Regarded as India’s most complex defence aviation initiative to date, the twin-engine stealth fighter is designed to feature low observability, Artificial Intelligence-enabled systems, long-range strike capability, and advanced manned-unmanned teaming concepts.

Even as speculation around the AMCA programme continues, HAL officials reiterated that the company remains focused on executing its existing defence and civil aviation commitments. They also assured that stakeholders would be promptly informed if there is any official development regarding HAL’s role in the AMCA project.