India's 5th Generation Fighter Jet Programme Hits Roadblock

New Delhi: India's fifth generation fighter jet programme has hit a roadblock with the US firm GE raising price of its F414 engines, which was to power the initial prototypes of the aircraft, by nearly three times to the original price. While initially the price for the F414 engine was estimated to be around ₹70 crore to ₹80 crore per unit, the new price being quoted is more than ₹200 crore.

This engine was to also power the more advanced Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet which is currently under development.

The DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is executing the fifth generation fighter jet programme through industry partnership. The Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet programme is being carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, a public sector unit. According to sources ADA is now looking at other options for the fighter jets.

India has been working on the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project to develop medium weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its air power capability. The AMCA along with the Tejas light combat aircraft were planned to be the mainstays of the Indian Air Force.

The Cabinet Sommittee on Security led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given in-principle approval to the fighter jet programme. Last year defence minister Rajnath Singh had approved the AMCA programme. The IAF has been pushing for the AMCA project in view of its long-term requirement.