SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Saab India is aiming to leverage the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for local manufacturing of F-414 engines by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from GE Aerospace as a key advantage in its bid for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.
The strategic importance lies in the fact that the Gripen-E fighter jet, offered by Saab, also utilizes the same 4-GE-39E turbofan engine developed by General Electric. While HAL is aiming for an 80% ToT on the F-414 engines, primarily for the upcoming Tejas MkII fighter jets, Saab sees an opportunity here.
The Gripen-E’s engine, though derived from the F-414 and locally designated RM16 in Sweden, has some modifications to suit the aircraft’s specific needs. The Indian variant of the F-414 engine is called the F414-GE-INS6. Interestingly, Saab officials have hinted to idrw.org that the Gripen-E produced in India might switch to the F414-GE-INS6 engine if their bid is selected.
This potential switch would create significant commonality between the engines powering the Tejas MkII and the Gripen-E in India. The benefits are two-fold:
- Reduced Cost: Local production of the F414-GE-INS6 engine would eliminate the need to import Saab’s RM16 variant, potentially leading to a reduction in the cost per unit of Gripen-E produced in India.
- Simplified Logistics and Maintenance: Having a common engine type for both aircraft would simplify logistics and maintenance operations for the IAF. Spare parts and maintenance expertise could be shared, leading to greater efficiency.
By highlighting this potential engine commonality, Saab India is strategically positioning itself to address a key concern of the IAF – self-reliance and cost-effectiveness. This aligns well with the government’s push for Indigenous defence manufacturing.
The MRFA tender is a highly competitive race, and other contenders are likely to have their own strategies for technology transfer and local production. Saab India’s focus on engine commonality presents a compelling argument, but the final decision will depend on the IAF’s overall evaluation of all proposals.
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