SOURCE: AFI
Azad Engineering, a Hyderabad-based precision engineering firm, has secured a significant contract with India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO. This deal tasks Azad with the end-to-end manufacturing, assembly, and integration of a completely assembled advanced turbo gas generator engine.
While the GTRE contract signifies a major leap in domestic engine production, there’s another interesting development at play. Azad Engineering is also poised to become a key player in the global supply chain for the F404 and F414 engines manufactured by General Electric (GE) and utilized by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). These engines are not only the workhorses of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, but also power various fighter jets developed by other nations in Europe and elsewhere.
GE operates a well-established global supply chain for the F404 and F414 engines. By becoming a supplier of components for these engines, Azad Engineering gains a strategic position within this network. This means the parts manufactured by Azad could potentially be integrated into F404 or F414 engines destined for various countries and their indigenous fighter jets.
The company’s dual focus on indigenous engine production and integration into a global supply chain positions India strategically for a stronger and more self-reliant defense sector.