US Aerospace Giant Eyes Engine Deal For India’s Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet Amid Defence Push

US aerospace giant General Electric (GE) has expressed keen interest in supplying engines for India’s upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter project.

Larry Culp, Chairman and CEO of GE, confirmed the company's active engagement in the race to power the Indian Air Force’s advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), according to a TOI report.

“We are very interested,” Culp said. “If you look at what we're doing with the Tejas with our 404 engines, we are right in the middle of probably what matters most in that regard.”

He further added, “The US and India enjoy a very strong relationship. So we are here, we want to be supportive and are engaged so we possibly can be.”

India announced plans last month to fast-track development of a fifth-generation stealth fighter, following Operation Sindoor.

The high-thrust engine for the jet is expected to be developed in collaboration with an international manufacturer, with GE, Safran, and Rolls-Royce all in contention.

In parallel, GE is working to accelerate the delayed supply of F-404 engines for the Tejas Mark-1A programme. The first of 99 engines was delivered in March, nearly two years behind schedule.

“We are working with the suppliers to ramp their capability. We're making good progress,” Culp stated. “I just look at April and May of this year compared to where we were in the first quarter—we’ve seen a double-digit increase in the number of receipts.”

Amid ongoing delays across defence and commercial aviation sectors, IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh has raised concerns about equipment acquisition timelines.

GE also plans to set up a civilian aircraft engine MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility in India once operational volumes reach viable levels. “It's not a question of possibility but rather timing,” Culp noted.

GE currently has over 1,400 engines in service in India, with future orders nearing 2,500 units, reinforcing India’s role as a crucial market.

Also Read: Mumbai Suburban Rail To Get New Non-AC Trains With Auto-Closing Doors By 2026 After Fatal Overcrowding Incident