Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 24 : Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has formed a strategic partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to support the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme of the Indian Air Force, a press release said.
The consortium will participate in the Expression of Interest notice issued by the Central Government's Aeronautical Development Agency by submitting a response in the coming weeks.
According to the press release by L&T, the partnership will leverage the firm's expertise in developing strategic defence and aerospace platforms, along with BEL's experience in defence electronics and systems, to jointly contribute to India's 5th-generation fighter aircraft.
The collaboration aims at advancing India's defence capabilities in line with the government's vision for an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).
In the past, L&T and BEL have played a pivotal role in India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft programme by supplying major aero-structure modules and developing mission-critical avionics and electronic systems, the press release stated.
Building on this legacy, the consortium will bring proven expertise and commitment to the timely delivery of world-class defence and aerospace platforms for the Indian Air Force.
Commenting on the development, SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of L&T, said, "The collaboration with BEL marks a significant leap in our commitment to the modernisation of India's defence capabilities. We are honoured to be working with BEL to deliver next-generation technologies for the Indian Air Force. Both the 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".
Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited, said: "The AMCA project represents India's growing capabilities in defence technology. Our collaboration with L&T is a crucial step in realising this vision. 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".