Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Defence Technology, Issue: Revamp Engine Development.
Context:
India’s fifth-generation AMCA fighter jet is generating excitement for its stealth, advanced avionics, and super cruise capabilities. However, persistent reliance on imported engines raises concerns.
- Historical challenges, notably with the HF-24 Marut, highlight the need for realistic expectations and domestic propulsion development to ensure the AMCA’s long-term success.
Key Takeaways:
| What is Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)? About: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s fifth-generation fighter multirole fighter jet.This aircraft will be bigger than other fighters in the Indian Air Force inventory. The aircraft will put India in a select group of nations that have their own fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Organisations involved: The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be the nodal agency for executing the programme and designing the aircraft. It will be manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Engine: The AMCA Mk1 variant will have the US-built GE414 engine of the 90 kilonewton (kN) class.The more advanced AMCA Mk2 will fly on the more powerful 110kN engine.This will be developed indigenously by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in collaboration with a foreign defence major. |
Persistent Dependence on Foreign Engines:
- Tejas Mk1 uses GE F404-IN20 engines (U.S.).
- Tejas Mk2 and AMCA Mk1 plan to use the more powerful GE F414 engines.
- Delays in foreign engine deliveries:Â Example: In 2021, GE was to deliver 99 F404 engines by March 2024. First delivery came 13 months late (April 2025).
- This delayed the Tejas Mk1A rollout, affecting IAF preparedness.
Impact on Armed Forces Beyond the Air Force:
Army:
- Arjun MBT uses German MTU engines.
- Zorawar light tank uses U.S. Cummins engine.
Navy:
- All major indigenous ships are powered by Russian, French, German, or U.S. engines.
- There’s no indigenous naval propulsion system operational today.
- This foreign dependence affects all three services, not just the IAF.
Strategic Vulnerability:
- Foreign engine supply delays jeopardize: Induction timelines, operational readiness.
- Exports, as re-exporting platforms with foreign engines needs third-party approvals.
- Geopolitical pressures, sanctions, or export restrictions could cripple Indian defence production.
Current Challenges and Measures Needed to close the propulsion Gap:
India’s global aerospace aspirations AMCA, Tejas Mk2, LCA Navy, and exports depend critically on mastering engine technology. Without sovereign propulsion capabilities, India will remain strategically vulnerable, dependent on the whims of foreign suppliers, and limited in asserting its technological and defence autonomy. Bridging this gap demands political will, structural reforms, and deep investments in capability-building.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
â—‰ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
â—‰ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
â—‰ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
