DRDO France AMCA jet: For almost two years the proposal for a new fighter jet engine was just lying around with no progress. Now things started to move because the Prime Minister told DRDO to push it forward.
India wants to make a powerful engine in the range of 120-140 kN. This engine will go into the twin engine Advanced Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, also called AMCA. Unlike old times, this aircraft will not come only from government companies but the private sector will also build it. Big names like Tata, L&T and Adani Defence already getting ready to bid for the work. The Prime Minister also made it clear that India must have its own aircraft engine.
India’s past efforts
Today, only few countries like United States, Russia, United Kingdom and France know how to design and make their own aircraft engines from scratch. China still cannot do it and depends on Russian engines or just copies them. India had earlier tried to build its own engine with the Kaveri project from the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, but sadly that plan did not succeed.
Right now India uses engines that come from outside. General Electric from the US supplies 212 F-404 engines, and India is close to sign another deal for 113 more engines. GE also agreed to share technology for the stronger GE-414 engine, but they only gave about 70% of the technology and not full know-how, reported ET.
Because of this India is looking to work with France, a partner that proved more reliable in tough times. For example after India’s nuclear tests in 1998, America put sanctions but France did not. France kept giving parts for Mirage 2000 fighters and also continued helping with Indian missile guidance systems.
How it changes India’s power?
India already flies Rafale jets which use the M-88 Snecma engine of 73 kN. So it makes sense for India to involve Dassault Aviation for building more fighters inside India. The plan is to make 114 more fighters under the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft program. At the same time, India wants to design, develop and co-produce a brand new 110 kN engine with France.
