The Indian defence ministry is leaning towards partnering with French aerospace and defence company Safran as part of a programme to develop the stealth Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) valued at 610 billion rupees (US$7 billion), according to local media reports. British aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce has also submitted a bid.
The move appears to reflect growing dissatisfaction in New Delhi over an 18-month delay in engine deliveries by US-based General Electric (GE) for India’s next-generation Tejas light combat aircraft. In 2021, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) placed an order with GE Aerospace for 99 F404 engines to power the locally made aircraft. The first engine was belatedly delivered to HAL in April, while the second arrived only last week.
“It’s a timely and strategic step. The UK and France are not only capable partners but also willing to share engine tech, something the US has been slower to do,” said Christopher Blackburn, a British political and security analyst.
“Europe’s openness signals real trust between partners. It strengthens the uncodified alliance of democratic nations and accelerates India’s AMCA programme,” he added.
India has been working to bolster its air power capability, with the AMCA and Tejas light combat aircraft set to be the mainstays of its air force.
