All Clearances Received HAL, GE to Produce Jet Engines for LCA Mk2, AMCA Fighter Jets in India

In a significant stride towards enhancing India defense capabilities, DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V Kamat announced on Saturday that the engines for the LCA Mark 2 and the initial two squadrons of the homegrown Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will be manufactured domestically. Speaking to ANI, Dr. Kamat stated, "The engines for LCA Mark 2 and the first two squadrons of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft would be produced within the country through a collaboration between American GE and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, with all necessary clearances received from the US."

The collaboration between HAL and GE from the US will see the joint production of these engines in a facility based in India.

The Cabinet Committee on Security, on August 30, approved the development of the LCA Mark 2 fighter aircraft, slated to replace the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 combat aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"The government has given the green light to the LCA Mark 2 fighter aircraft development project. This marks the initiation of the design phase for an advanced 17.5-tonne single-engine aircraft, with the development set to conclude by 2027," stated Girish Deodhare, Chief of Aeronautical Development Agency, referring to the project.

He disclosed that prototypes would be developed, with the first one expected to roll out within a year. The comprehensive project, involving extensive flying trials and related work, is scheduled for completion by 2027.

DRDO envisions the aircraft to be comparable to Rafale-class aircraft in terms of avionics and capabilities but with a lighter weight. The government has mandated that the engines used in the aircraft must be "Made in India" post the initial development phase.

DRDO plans to equip the aircraft with a GE-414 engine, an advanced version of the GE-404s currently powering the existing LCAs in service and the upcoming 83 LCA Mark 1As set for induction into the IAF in the coming years.

As of now, the IAF operates 30 LCAs, with two being utilized by HAL for the development of the Mark 1As. The proposal for the AMCA aircraft development, with a substantial focus on indigenous inputs, is pending government approval but is expected to receive the green light soon.