This work is taking place under iCET.
New Delhi: Amid ongoing concerns over trade between India and the United States, there is good news in the field of security. American aircraft engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) is set to deliver the first of 99 GE-404 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) this month. This engine will enhance the capabilities of the Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets. The delivery of the engine has been delayed by two years, which has raised concerns in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The deal, worth 716 million USD, was made in 2021. Additionally, India is also working on producing the GE-414 engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) developed by DRDO in India. Sources indicate that the first engine is on a test bed and will be delivered by the end of this month. Following this, GE will provide 12 engines in 2025 and then 20 engines every year.
HAL is collaborating with GE to manufacture the GE-414 engine in India. This work is taking place under United States–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the national security advisors of India and the United States. The GE-414 engine will enhance the capabilities of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) being developed by DRDO.
The Ministry of Defence has formed a committee after delays in the delivery of 83 LCA MK 1 A aircraft by HAL and the displeasure of the IAF chief. The committee is chaired by Defence Secretary R.K. Singh. This committee will create a business model for fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The committee will not focus on the technical aspects of AMCA, but will develop a model that includes the private sector as well. The aim is to ensure that India has options for manufacturing fighter aircraft in the future beyond HAL. U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to provide India with the fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft.
