By Vaibhav Agrawal
Reports claim that Rolls-Royce officials have confirmed obtaining an export license from the UK government for the transfer of combat engine technology to India. The technology will be utilised for combat engine development, using a unique co-creation model that allows for the Intellectual Property (IP) to be developed and owned in India for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
General Electric (GE), the American competitor of Rolls-Royce, has also submitted an application for an export license to the US administration, enabling the co-development of a combat engine for India’s AMCA program. Despite receiving support from a US congressman for such programs with India, GE is still waiting for clearance.
According to recent statements from Rolls-Royce, General Electric (GE) will not permit India to retain the Intellectual Property (IP) for the engine that they are co-developing, and will require clearance from both GE and the US administration for export of the engine to other countries. This remains the case even if India secures orders for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) from another country.
General Electric (GE) has proposed the establishment of its engine subsidiary within India, with a supply chain composed of private sector companies within the country. This model would allow for the entire production of engines to take place within India. However, it should be noted that the Transfer of Technology (ToT) and other Intellectual Property (IP) rights will still be retained by GE’s local engine subsidiary.
Previous reports indicate that Safran is currently engaged in discussions with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, a laboratory under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation. These discussions are centered around a scaled-up version of the M88 engine, capable of generating 125 kN of thrust. According to aviation experts, this engine option appears to be the most feasible for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)-2 program.
However, the timeline for the AMCA-2 program is dependent on the prompt inclusion of Safran into discussions with GTRE, as this will allow for the development of a comprehensive plan for the AMCA and its subsequent variants.
