New Delhi: A new chapter in India’s ambitious Light Combat Aircraft Mark-2 (LCAMK2) project is about to begin. An agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE Aerospace, an American engine manufacturer, was announced on Wednesday. As a result, India will produce the GEF414 engine used in fighter aircraft.
The American company will give India sufficient Transfer of Technology (ToT) in addition to these engines. This announcement was made as the Indian Air Force began to feel the need for more sophisticated fighter jets following the retirement of the MiG-21.
In addition, India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has advanced jet engine testing.
Which engines will be offered for the LCAMK1A?
Business Standard reports that HAL and GE Aerospace of the United States have reached this agreement. In July of this year, India received the second GE-404 engine from America under an earlier contract with the American company. Tejas LCAMK1A fighter jets will be equipped with this engine by HAL.
By March 2026, HAL is expected to receive 12 of these GE-404 engines. Orders for 83 LCA Mark 1A have already been placed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). In addition, 97 more of these fighter jets are being proposed for purchase.
Why was the engine delivery delayed?
India had long needed strong engines, but neither the United States nor competent European nations provided the technology. Russia provided engines but not technology. It became crucial for India to produce its own engine in such a scenario. India will now have its own engines thanks to Kaveri 2.0.
What plans does DRDO have to create a “super engine”?
A facility for the last test of jet engines has been constructed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a DRDO associate organization. The construction of a powerful engine facility at this Bengaluru facility began in 2023.
In this facility, GTRE will produce a 130 kilonewton powerful engine. By October 2025, this facility is expected to be ready for this engine.
What sort of engines are going to be produced here?
GTRE is currently working on two significant projects. The dry Kaveri engine is one of them. Unmanned combat drones will be able to use these engines. Second, a fifth-generation indigenous fighter aircraft, known as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), will be equipped with a new super engine.
India is developing dual-engine technology to increase the power of fighter aircraft. The engine’s initial test is anticipated to be completed by the middle of 2026. This will involve the development of the Kaveri derivative engine, commonly referred to as dry Kaveri.
This engine will be the original GTX-35VS Kaveri’s non-afterburning version. It was created for the Ghaatak, India’s stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle drone. In Russia, its test was successful.
The Kaveri 2.0 is a turbofan engine of the next generation. Future fighter aircraft, including those of the fifth and sixth generations, are being developed to use it. The thrust that the Kaveri 2.0 engine core can produce ranges from 55 to 58 kN.
It is anticipated to reach more than 90 kN with an afterburner (wet thrust). The US-made F-404 (84 kN) and F-414 (98 kN) engines will be outperformed by the Kaveri 2.0.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available news, official statements, and expert commentary. Any future developments in defence cooperation may alter or expand the scope of the details mentioned.
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