In the backdrop of continuing strain in India-US trade talks, French aerospace firm Safran has reportedly submitted a proposal to make engines for Tejas Mk-2 fighter aircraft as well.
"Various parameters of the Safran proposal, its engines are being studied by the Defence Research and Development Organisation," The Tribune reported quoting sources, adding no decision has been taken on the proposal yet.
The report claimed it does not mean General Electric's F-414 engine has been rejected. Tejas Mk-2 has a maiden flight scheduled for early 2026. The aircraft is intended as a much improved and more powerful version of the Tejas Mk-1A, of which Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is already manufacturing.
Safran's proposal entails setting up a whole ecosystem for engine production in India, the report said. The French company has bid to make two engines – one for the Tejas Mk-2 and one for the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Safran already has an agreement with HAL to produce helicopter engines, which have been fitted in more than 400 Advanced Light Helicopters.
The Tejas Mk-2 was initially designed with the GE F-414 engine. Changing engines at this point in development would demand structural alterations, since each engine has unique air-intake angles, thrust, and power profile.
India and the US had announced in July 2023 that they were going to make the GE F-414 engine locally, along with a transfer of technology (ToT). The ToT terms are still being negotiated between GE and HAL, awaiting approval from the US Administration.
India is also facing delays in the supply of F-404 engines by GE, which are for the Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. While almost a dozen of the aircraft are ready at HAL, just three engines have been delivered until now, causing delayed deliveries to the Indian Air Force, which is experiencing a reduction in combat-capable aircraft.
On September 11, US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor stressed ramping up India-US military commerce during his Senate hearing, saying, "defence and security cooperation with India includes advancing co-development and co-production of defence systems and concluding critical defence sales."
In August, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had assured that India would co-produce jet engines with Safran domestically.
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