New Delhi: In a significant step towards India building its own stealth 5th generation fighter jet, the Defense Ministry on Wednesday issued a request for proposal (RFP) to three shortlisted private players for the development and production of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which once developed will take on the US F35 Lightning II and Russian Su-57 stealth fighters. The budget for the AMCA prototype phase is Rs 15,000 crore.The AMCA will be a medium-weight, multi-role, twin-engine stealth combat aircraft that will be designed and developed based on operational requirements. Indian Air Force (IAF).For the first time, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will not be part of a major fighter jet programme, as the defense PSU is already associated with the 4.5-generation Tejas fighter program and has two big orders for Tejas pending with it from the Indian Air Force.The shortlisted bidders include Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Bharat Forge in an arrangement with Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Earth Movers Ltd in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd.After the three companies give their responses to the RFP, the selection process for the project is likely to be completed in 4 to 5 months. As per the RFP, the bidding process will begin on June 11 and interested bidders will have to submit their final presentations by the end of next month. Bids will be opened on 28th July.The selected private defense flagship unit will work with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which operates under the Defense Ministry, to develop five prototypes of the aircraft. IAF is emphasizing on AMCA project considering its long term requirement.The AMCA will be produced under the design and expertise of ADA of DRDO. Under the RFP, bidders will be required to support flight test and type certification activities for AMCA. While the first AMCA prototype is likely to be completed by early 2027, the first flight of the multi-role fighter will take place between 2028-29. Its serial production will begin in the mid-2030s.Once the prototype is approved and the Cabinet Committee on Security gives its nod, the AMCA will be constructed at the upcoming integration and flight test complex in Andhra Pradesh, the foundation stone of which was laid by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and CM Chandrababu Naidu a few days ago.Featuring super-cruise, internal weapons bays and advanced AI, the AMCA is expected to have an operational ceiling of 55,000 feet and carry 1,500 kg of weapons in its bays, while a further 5,500 kg externally.On May 27, 2025, the Defense Minister approved the execution model of the AMCA program involving private companies. About 20 days later, expressions of interest (EOI) were invited from private firms for the development of AMCA.