The deadline for submitting bids for India's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme has been extended by two months to October 30 from the earlier August 27 deadline, defence officials said.
The bids for the indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet programme will now be opened on October 31. The extension was granted after prospective bidders sought additional time to prepare and submit their proposals, the officials told ANI.
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The tender for the mega project was issued in May, with participating firms originally required to submit their bids within 60 days, by the end of July.
Three firms are in the race for the project, including Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Larsen and Toubro, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bharat Forge and Bharat Earth Movers Ltd.
The AMCA is India's flagship indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme and is aimed at significantly enhancing the Indian Air Force's capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign defence platforms.
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The aircraft is being designed as a stealth fighter with advanced capabilities as India seeks to strengthen its indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the AMCA Programme Execution Model, under which the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will execute the programme through partnerships with the Indian industry.
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