General Electric (GE) is aggressively pursuing a contract to supply engines for India’s forthcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), according to a report by the Economic Times on Monday. GE Chairman and CEO Larry Culp confirmed the company’s keen interest in the project, highlighting India as a pivotal market for both its civil and defense aerospace sectors.
“We’re very interested,” Culp affirmed. “Our ongoing partnership on the Tejas program, powered by the F404 engines, positions us at the core of this vital sector. The US-India relationship remains robust, and we are fully committed to supporting India’s aerospace ambitions.”
India’s government recently announced plans to fast-track the indigenous development of the fifth-generation stealth fighter, a strategic move following the success of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. A crucial element of the AMCA project—a high-thrust jet engine—is slated for development in collaboration with an international aerospace firm. GE is expected to contend with global heavyweights like Safran and Rolls-Royce for this critical contract.
In parallel, GE is ramping up engine deliveries to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Mark-1A combat aircraft. While deliveries experienced a nearly two-year delay, the first batch of 99 F404 engines was delivered in March. “We have clearly communicated our commitment. Our suppliers are scaling up operations, and we recorded double-digit growth in deliveries between April and May compared to the first quarter,” Culp said.
This announcement follows remarks from Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh, who recently highlighted delays in defense procurement. Culp acknowledged these challenges, noting that despite ongoing progress, supply chain disruptions will likely continue amid the aerospace sector’s current boom. “We are in a super cycle, and supply chain issues will remain a focal point,” he explained.
Currently, more than 1,400 GE engines power various aircraft across India, with an additional 2,500 engines on order. Culp reiterated GE’s enduring commitment to the Indian market: “The scale of our presence here underscores how strategically important India is for us.”