GE Eyes AMCA Engine Deal, Boosts Tejas Jet Support
General Electric has confirmed its keen interest in securing the engine contract for India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. Speaking to Indian media, GE CEO Larry Culp emphasized the strategic importance of India to the company and underlined GE’s readiness to support the country’s indigenous stealth fighter program. The AMCA engine partnership is expected to be finalized within the next 12–18 months, with GE competing against other global aerospace leaders such as France’s Safran and the UK’s Rolls-Royce.
The AMCA execution model was recently cleared by the Indian Cabinet, paving the way for international partnerships in developing a fifth-generation twin-engine stealth platform. GE’s longstanding collaboration with India, including the F404 engines for the Tejas Mk-1A and F414 engines proposed for Tejas Mk-2, provides the American firm with an edge in familiarity and integration potential.
GE Accelerates Tejas Mk-1A Engine Deliveries
In addition to eyeing the AMCA deal, GE is actively working to expedite the delivery of F404 engines for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. Although the delivery schedule was initially delayed by nearly two years, the first engine was handed over in March this year. GE is now stabilizing its supply chain to ensure timely delivery of all 99 contracted engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This is crucial for HAL to meet the Indian Air Force’s deployment timelines, especially as the IAF seeks to ramp up its fighter squadron numbers to counter growing regional threats.
Strategic Importance of Engine Partnerships
The importance of engine development to India’s aerospace ambitions cannot be overstated. A successful AMCA engine program would be a milestone in reducing dependency on foreign technologies and achieving technological sovereignty. While India continues to invest in domestic engine R&D through entities like GTRE, collaborations with firms like GE are pivotal for bridging critical capability gaps in the near term.
The AMCA engine project will also likely include provisions for technology transfer and co-development, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. For GE, winning the AMCA contract not only strengthens its India presence but also enhances its role in shaping the future of South Asia’s aerial warfare capabilities.
