Next-Gen Successor To LCA Tejas On The Way, To Be Built At Coimbatore

In a significant shift from earlier norms, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is looking to build the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at Sulur in Combatore instead of Bengaluru, reports The Economic Times. It has already invited private players to provide a technological demonstration.

The proposal also marks the first time an indigenous military aircraft project will see private participation. Sulur in the outskirts of Coimbatore has an air force station that might soon be the permanent home to the Tejas squadron.

The AMCA, a fifth generation aircraft, may soon replace the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas that was also built by the ADA. The agency believes that involving private players would help the project with its timeline, and fit in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make In India programme.

Sulur has been selected due to saturation at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport – the city’s former commercial airport – in Bengaluru.

The private participants would have to manufacture, assemble and equip two aircraft. Setting a new precedent, the entire sector will be participating at various stages including the design, fabrication, and assembly of the craft.