India's 5th Generation Fighter Jet Programme Hits Roadblock

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 Rs 70 crore to Rs 80 crore per unit, the new price being quoted is more than Rs 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.