IAF's fifth-generation stealth fighter: US giant GE says ‘very interested' in making engines; to speed up jet engine delivery for Tejas Mark-1A
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It will compete to manufacture engines for the Indian Air Force's fifth-generation stealth fighter and advanced medium combat aircraft, GE chairman and CEO Larry Culp said.
The aerospace giant views India as a key strategic market for both civilian and military aerospace operations, according to Culp.
GE is also working to speed up delivery of F-404 jet engines to India's Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). GE says it has accelerated the supply of jet engines to HAL for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter programme, which has experienced significant delays.
The company delivered its first F-404 engine from a total order of 99 units in March, approximately two years later than planned.
"That is our intent and we've communicated that to everyone," Culp said. "We are working with the suppliers to ramp their capability. We're making good progress. I just look at April and May of this year compared to where we were in the first quarter—we've seen a double-digit increase in the number of receipts,' he told ET in an interview.
India's 5th Generation Fighter Jet Project
"We are very interested," Culp said. "If you look at what we're doing with the Tejas with our 404 engines, we are right in the middle of probably what matters most in that regard. The US and India enjoy a very strong relationship. So we are here, we want to be supportive and are engaged so we possibly can be."
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India revealed its plans to expedite the development of a domestic fifth-generation stealth fighter last month.
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This announcement followed shortly after Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
The development of a crucial high-thrust engine component is expected to proceed through collaboration with an international manufacturer. GE will encounter competition from other industry leaders, including Safran and Rolls-Royce.
Tejas Mark-1A delays
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the IAF chief, has expressed worries regarding delays in acquiring essential military equipment.
Production capacity limitations amongst manufacturers are causing setbacks in both defence programmes and commercial aviation deliveries.
Culp indicated that despite implementing various measures to reduce the impact of delays, resolving supply chain issues will require additional time.
"The progress we're achieving is substantial, both within GE and throughout the sector," he stated. "However, considering the yearly rise in demand projections, supply chain discussions will persist.
This reflects our current position within a significant growth cycle."
Also Read |
GE intends to establish a civilian aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India when operational volumes reach suitable levels.
"It's not a question of possibility but rather timing," he explained. "We need to ensure adequate market volume exists to justify such investment commitments."
GE currently operates over 1,400 engines in India, which power both narrow and wide-body aircraft, with future orders amounting to approximately 2,500 units.
"These figures clearly demonstrate India's significance as a key market for our operations," Culp remarked.
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