Samir Kamat, who is in charge of the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said that talks are going on for an engine deal that will allow co-development with manufacturers and help make Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in India.
After Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that India will soon make its own Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) engines, the head of the DRDO made this comment.
The head of the DRDO said, “At the Bengaluru air show, we showed off the Tapas drones, which flew as high as 15,000 feet. We also showed off our UAV, the Archer, which could also be turned into a weapon. We’ve also made some new missiles, like the Akash NG, the VSHORADS, and the MPATGM.
“I can say that our weapon systems are just as good as the best and are made here in the United States,” he said.
He also said that talks are going on with three defence companies in three countries about making engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Mark 2 (AMCA Mark 2).
“By 2028, the LCA Mark2 should be ready to be used. The first flight of AMCA Phase 1 could happen in seven years, and the induction could happen in ten years. We can’t say when the AMCA Mark 2 with a new engine will be ready until we sign a deal with another OEM to work on the engine together (Original Equipment Manufacturer). “We have been talking to Safran from France, GE from the United States, and Rolls Royce from the United Kingdom,” the head of the DRDO said.
Kamat said, “The LCA Mark2 will use the GE-414 engines.” Talks are going on with GE, and they are interested. We’re just waiting for the US government to give us the go-ahead.”
He said that the engines would be made in the country once the US government gave the go-ahead.
“This was talked about when our NSA, Ajit Doval, was in the US. The US government said it was willing to talk to them (indigenous manufacture of engines). “I hope that the transfer of technology will be announced in the next three to six months, and that these engines will be made in the country itself,” he said.
Kamat said, “The DRDO is going to make the first tripod-fired very short-range air defence system. Another one, which can be fired from the shoulder, has also been given the OK by the Army.
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