Several Indian states are locked in a fierce competition to host the production facility
for the nation’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a next-generation stealth
fighter jet program that is the cornerstone of India’s efforts towards self-reliance in
defense manufacturing. Karnataka’s Bangalore, Maharashtra’s Nashik, Tamil Nadu’s
Coimbatore, Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, and Telangana’s Hyderabad are all leveraging
unique advantages from established aerospace hubs and industrial corridors to skilled workforces and attractive incentives—to win the prestigious project. Nashik’s existing HAL facility stands out for its cost-effective upgrade potential and operational
readiness, while Bangalore’s robust ecosystem and Hyderabad’s rapid growth in
aerospace also makes them strong contenders.
The winning state stands to gain far more than a manufacturing plant. Hosting the
AMCA production line will bring thousands of high-skilled jobs, boost local economies, and anchor India’s pursuit of cutting-edge aviation technology for decades. As the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) move closer to a final decision, the outcome will not only shape India’s defense sector but also transform the economic fortunes of the chosen region.