India has moved its indigenous fifth-generation fighter programme into the execution phase, with the Aeronautical Development Agency issuing an expression of interest to domestic aerospace companies for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. The EOI seeks partners to develop, build and certify multiple prototypes of the stealth twin-engine jet, shifting the project from design to manufacturing. Bids are due by 16 August 2025 and the agency has set an eight-year timeline for prototype development and flight-test certification. Government documents and media reports indicate a first flight target of 2029 and serial production around 2035. Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in March, the programme allows private firms to compete alongside state-run Hindustan Aeronautics, reflecting a wider push to boost India’s domestic defence industry. Defence Secretary Rajesh Singh said on 8 July that New Delhi is also holding preliminary talks with the United States and Russia on acquiring fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35 and Su-57 as an interim solution while the AMCA is built. He stressed the negotiations are at an early stage and no formal proposals have been finalised. The twin-track approach is aimed at shoring up the Indian Air Force, which fields 31 combat squadrons against an authorised 42.5, and at countering Pakistan’s reported plans to procure Chinese stealth aircraft. If successful, AMCA would place India among a handful of nations capable of designing and producing advanced stealth fighters.