India shortlists three private firms to build next-gen fighters
India has shortlisted three private firms to help build its next-generation indigenous fighter under the AMCA programme, a move aimed at expanding the private sector's role in defence manufacturing.

India has shortlisted three private firms to contribute to manufacturing under its indigenous next-generation fighter programme, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). According to the Economic Times, the selection is seen as a key step in shaping the programme's industrial side.
The decision aims to widen the private sector's role in defence production, a field long dominated by state-owned enterprises. India has in recent years prioritised boosting domestic defence capacity and reducing reliance on imports.
The programme's progress will depend on its development timeline and the responsibilities the selected firms take on. Officials said detailed contracting and production steps would become clearer in later phases.
More from Asia

Indian billionaires buy foreign firms as growth slows at home
Indian companies are turning to global acquisitions as domestic growth slows. According to the BBC, India Inc spent $18bn on overseas buyouts in 2025, and deal value could top $15bn in the first half of 2026.

Japan to bolster sea lane defence with Southeast Asia info-sharing plan
Japan will set up a broad maritime information-sharing framework with Southeast Asian countries, led by the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. With the Hormuz crisis and South China Sea tensions in the background, Tokyo is moving to protect critical trade lanes.

Huawei says its new Kirin phone chip overcomes US clampdown
Chinese tech giant Huawei said a new Kirin chip developed for its phones overcomes US-led export restrictions. The announcement marks a fresh stage in the US-China contest over chip technology.