The international effort to create cutting-edge fighter jets and the engines that power them is heating up, with Turkey and South Korea making considerable progress in their own projects.
While India also aims to develop a homegrown engine for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, it is falling behind due to funding uncertainties and a lack of clear partnerships.
Turkey has committed a substantial $3 to $5 billion towards developing the TF-35000 engine for its Kaan fighter jet. South Korea is also investing heavily, allocating $2.3 billion for a domestically produced engine to power its KF-21 Boramae fighter. These investments highlight a global trend of nations seeking greater self-sufficiency in defence technology.
Turkey's substantial investment in the TF-35000 engine is a clear indication of its commitment to becoming self-reliant in defence. This engine, designed to power the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) developed Kaan, Turkey's own fifth-generation fighter, aims to replace the country's aging F-16 fleet.
The TF-35000 is designed to produce approximately 35,000 pounds of thrust, comparable to engines used in other fifth-generation aircraft like the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
This move is partly a response to past difficulties in acquiring U.S.-made engines due to political disagreements. Turkey has already flown a Kaan prototype, currently using General Electric F110 engines, but plans to switch to the domestically produced TF-35000 by the late 2020s or early 2030s.
South Korea's KF-21 Boramae program, initially a 4.5-generation fighter with plans for future fifth-generation upgrades, is also progressing rapidly. The South Korean government has allocated $2.3 billion to develop a domestic engine to replace the General Electric F414 engines currently used in KF-21 prototypes. This is part of a wider strategy to lessen South Korea's dependence on foreign defence technology.
The first prototype of the KF-21 took flight in 2022. The new engine, being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Aerospace, is expected to match or surpass the F414's 22,000 pounds of thrust, enhancing the KF-21's capabilities and export potential. This aligns with South Korea's expanding defence industry, already exporting military hardware like the K2 Black Panther tank and FA-50 light attack aircraft.
India's AMCA program, intended to produce a fifth-generation stealth fighter, is expected to face similar engine development costs to Turkey and South Korea, ranging from $2.5 billion to $5 billion. However, unlike its counterparts, India has not yet established a concrete plan for its engine program.
The AMCA, under development by the DRDO and HAL, requires a powerful and reliable engine, which has been a persistent challenge. While initial AMCA prototypes will use General Electric F414 engines, the long-term goal of a domestic engine remains uncertain.
India's previous attempt to develop the Kaveri engine for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) faced significant technical issues and delays, ultimately failing to meet requirements. The country is now exploring co-development of a new engine for the AMCA, with potential partners including France's Safran, the United States, and the United Kingdom's Rolls-Royce. No firm decision, however, has been made.
The rapid progress of Turkey and South Korea highlights their strategic investments and commitment to defence self-sufficiency. Both nations have working fighter jet prototypes (Kaan and KF-21, respectively) and are now concentrating on developing their own propulsion systems. This puts them ahead of India in creating fully indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets.
Turkey's resilience despite being excluded from the F-35 program, and South Korea's well-coordinated defence industry, are key factors in their success. Both countries aim to meet their own defence needs and become exporters of advanced military technology.
India's ongoing indecision regarding engine development partnerships risks causing further delays to the AMCA program. While Turkey and South Korea have secured funding and technical expertise, India faces bureaucratic obstacles and competing priorities. The continued reliance on imported engines for aircraft like the Tejas and Su-30 MKI highlights the pressing need for a domestic solution.
To accelerate progress, India needs to prioritize its engine development program and make a firm decision on international collaboration. Partnering with a foreign company could offer access to crucial technologies and experience. Simultaneously, increased funding for domestic research and development is essential to build long-term capabilities in propulsion systems.
India can draw lessons from the focused strategies of Turkey and South Korea, which have successfully utilized domestic industry and government support. Clear timelines, sufficient funding, and strong collaboration between DRDO, HAL, and private sector companies are crucial for the success of India's engine development efforts.
