India Weighs French, British Engines For Fifth-Generation AMCA As GE Talks Stall

Last Updated:June 24, 2026, 12:45 IST

The GE F414-INS6 engine is currently planned to power the AMCA Mk-1 and is expected to equip the first two to four squadrons.

India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), may look beyond the United States for its engine requirements as negotiations with GE Aerospace over the F414 engine face hurdles over pricing and manufacturing arrangements.

According to defence sources, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has begun exploring alternative engine options for the AMCA Mk-1 as the projected cost of the US-made GE F414 engine increased during negotiations.

The GE F414-INS6 engine is currently planned to power the AMCA Mk-1 and is expected to equip the first two to four squadrons, comprising around 60-70 aircraft. The same engine has also been selected for the Tejas Mk-2 and is under negotiation with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

However, commercial negotiations with GE have reportedly hit a roadblock after the US company sought prices significantly higher than earlier estimates. As per sources, the engine was initially expected to cost around Rs 70-80 crore per unit, but recent quotations are nearly three times higher.

Apart from engine procurement, negotiations also cover technology transfer, licensed manufacturing, maintenance and overhaul facilities, spares, warranties and long-term support arrangements.

The issue has gained significance because the AMCA prototype phase alone requires 15 engines for five flying prototypes. India’s overall requirement for the F414 across the AMCA, Tejas Mk-2 and Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) programmes is expected to exceed 200 engines in the coming years.

Defence sources said French aerospace firm Safran and British engine maker Rolls-Royce have already pitched their engines for the AMCA programme. Discussions are underway to assess whether an alternative powerplant can be integrated into the existing AMCA design, which was originally configured around the F414.

Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the AMCA is expected to become India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter and a key component of the Indian Air Force’s long-term modernisation plans. The aircraft is also seen as critical for reducing dependence on imported combat platforms and strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.

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Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre...Read More

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