India considers UK, France for 5th generation AMCA as talks for GE engines stall: Report

As talks with General Aerospace have stalled, India is considering British and French engines for the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, according to CNN-News18.

Sources said that General Aerospace has demanded a price nearly three times higher for the GE F414-INS6 engine, which was originally expected to cost Rs 70-80 crore per unit.

Sources further said negotiations have also stalled over technology transfer, licensed manufacturing, maintenance and overhaul facilities, spares, warranties, and long-term support arrangements.

Sources said India is currently considering switching to engines from France’s Safran and Britain’s Rolls-Royce. India already uses Safran engines in Rafale and Mirage fighter aircraft.

India had previously selected American General Aerospace’s GE F414-INS6, the highest-thrust variant of the GE F414 engine, for the AMCA Mark 1 as well as the Tejas Mark 2, which is currently under production. But the arrangement had been problematic well before the present hurdle as deliveries of GE F414-INS6 engines have been delayed by several years, pushing back deliveries of Tejas Mark 2 aircraft.

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Originally, India was expected to equip the first two to four squadrons —36 to 72 aircraft— of the AMCA with GE F414 engines.

Under the AMCA programme, India plans to develop an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is responsible for designing the aircraft and executing the project in partnership with a manufacturer yet to be selected. The ADA has previously said it aims to have five prototypes ready and conduct the first test flight before the end of 2028.

While officials have not disclosed specifics, reports have said India could eventually acquire more than 100 AMCA fighter aircraft.

Separately, India is also in the process of acquiring 114 Rafale fighter aircraft under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project.

The development comes at a time when the Indian Air Force’s strength is at an all-time low. Analysts have said India needs the rapid induction of fighter aircraft to maintain preparedness against the dual threats posed by China and Pakistan.