India, May 28 -- In a major boost to India's defence manufacturing ambitions, the Centre has issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA - India's first indigenously developed fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.

In a landmark decision, the Defence Ministry has kept state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) out of the programme and instead shortlisted three private sector consortiums for the project.

The shortlisted contenders are:

The move marks the first time India has opened a major fighter jet development programme entirely to private players.

Rs 15,000 Crore Prototype Project

The government is fully funding the Rs 15,000 crore programme, which involves building five flying AMCA pro...