Larsen & Toubro has teamed up with defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited to work on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet project for the Air Force.

The two companies will jointly respond to the Expression of Interest issued by the Aeronautical Development Agency in the coming weeks, signalling a closer collaboration in India’s indigenous defence efforts.

The partnership brings together L&T’s engineering and aerospace strengths with BEL’s long experience in defence electronics and systems. Both firms said the collaboration aims to support the country’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme, a key milestone in boosting self-reliance in defence technology.

“The collaboration with BEL marks a significant leap in our commitment to the modernisation of India’s defence capabilities. Both organisations are leaders in our respective domains and our combined efforts will play a crucial role in bolstering national security and advancing self-reliance in defence technologies,” L&T CMD SN Subrahmanyan said.

BEL CMD Manoj Jain highlighted the project’s significance for India’s technological growth.

“The AMCA project represents India’s growing capabilities in defence technology. With L&T’s engineering and systems integration capabilities and BEL’s expertise in defence electronics, we are confident of delivering a world-class solution that will serve the Indian Air Force for decades to come,” he said.

The two companies have a history of collaboration, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft programme, where L&T provided aero-structure modules and BEL developed mission-critical avionics and electronic systems.

“Building on that legacy, the new consortium promises proven expertise, technology integration and timely delivery for India’s most ambitious fighter aircraft programme yet,” the companies said in a statement on Wednesday.