Bharat Forge, BEML, and Data Patterns Sign MoU to Bid for India's AMCA Stealth Fighter Program

Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), BEML, and Data Patterns (India) Limited have entered into a significant tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a move to advance India's fifth-generation fighter jet development. The collaboration is set to submit a joint bid for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, an initiative led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to produce a wholly indigenous stealth fighter.

According to informed sources, the agreement specifies that Bharat Forge will hold a 50% stake, with BEML acquiring 30%, and Data Patterns taking the remaining 20%. This partnership leverages the strengths of each entity: Bharat Forge's expertise in heavy engineering, BEML's system assembly and manufacturing capabilities, and Data Patterns' specialization in avionics and sensors.

This alliance follows a prior announcement of a strategic partnership between Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), who are also competing for participation in the AMCA initiative. The entry of the BFL–BEML–Data Patterns consortium heightens competition as other significant players, such as Tata, Adani aerospace groups, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with potential private sector collaborations, are also preparing bids.

Designed entirely in India by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the AMCA program aspires to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter equipped with cutting-edge avionics, super-cruise capability, internal weapons bays, and advanced electronic warfare systems. This program is a pivotal step in India's push towards self-reliance in defense technology, an effort encapsulated in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The consortiums are anticipated to submit their proposals, including the full-scale engineering model and five aircraft, by 30 September 2025. Following this, the ADA will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to those bidders who are shortlisted.

Industry experts suggest these collaborative efforts, through combining expertise in engineering, electronics, avionics, and manufacturing, will expedite the development of India's indigenous stealth fighter. Additionally, these initiatives are expected to establish India as a burgeoning hub for next-generation aerospace innovation.