L&T Proposes Fully Indigenous 110kN Engine Development for Tejas Mk2 and AMCA, Seeks Merit-based Approach Over 'L1 Syndrome' for Success

Leading Indian engineering and defence conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has outlined a significant proposal for the domestic development of a powerful 110 kilonewton (kN) thrust jet engine.

Jayant Damodar Patil, the head of L&T's aerospace and defence division, stated that L&T, potentially in collaboration with other private Indian firms, has the capability to create this engine, crucial for powering India's future fighter aircraft like the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Mr. Patil emphasised that success hinges on the government adopting a procurement strategy that values technical capability and innovation above simply selecting the lowest bidder – a practice often referred to as the "L1 syndrome".

He suggested that lessons learned from the earlier Kaveri engine project could provide a valuable foundation for this new initiative.

The Kaveri engine, initiated in the 1980s by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), aimed to power the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). However, after significant investment (estimated over ₹2,000 crore, or about $240 million) and decades of work, the project faced setbacks.

It achieved only 75-80kN of thrust, falling short of the 90kN needed for the Tejas Mk1, and encountered issues with afterburners and weight. Consequently, India chose General Electric's F404 engines for the Tejas Mk1 fleet.

Despite these challenges, Mr. Patil believes the Kaveri program built essential expertise in areas like metallurgy and compressor design. "The Kaveri has provided a base to develop a new engine entirely in the country," he remarked.

The proposed 110kN engine is specifically targeted for the upcoming Tejas Mk2, a more advanced version of the LCA, and the ambitious twin-engine AMCA stealth fighter program, both central to the Indian Air Force's future fleet structure.

Developing such an engine requires mastering advanced technologies like single-crystal turbine blades and sophisticated afterburners. India has gained some experience in these fields through the development of the Kaveri's non-afterburning ('dry') variant, which is now slated to power unmanned systems like the Ghatak UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle).

To overcome the hurdles faced by the state-run GTRE working largely in isolation on the Kaveri, Mr. Patil advocates for a consortium model. This could involve major private players like Mahindra Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, and Godrej Aerospace pooling their respective expertise and resources.

He stressed that government backing focused on merit, rather than just the lowest cost, is essential to attract private sector talent and investment for such a complex undertaking. "If the government backs merit over L1... a pool of talent can be brought together," Patil stated, suggesting this approach could foster faster innovation compared to the previous state-led model.

However significant challenges remain. Industry experts estimate that developing a new 110kN engine could require investments between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 crore ($1.8 to $2.4 billion) over a 10-15 year period. Furthermore, India needs to advance its capabilities in critical 'hot section' engine technologies and address a potential shortage of specialised engineers.

While a consortium could mitigate some risks, sustained government commitment and potentially strategic foreign partnerships for specific technologies – recalling past discussions like the potential Kaveri-Safran collaboration – might still be necessary.

The Indian government's response to L&T's specific proposal is awaited. However, the initiative aligns well with the national 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) policy, which strongly emphasizes indigenous manufacturing, particularly in the defence sector. The DRDO itself is reportedly pursuing advanced aero-engine development, indicating governmental focus in this area.

If supported, L&T believes its proposal, leveraging its existing facilities and experience, could potentially lead to an engine prototype around 2035, fitting the timeline for the AMCA program and marking a major step towards self-sufficiency in critical defence technology.

 

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[A rajamohan]

J. D. Patil is ambitious, but none of the Indian private companies can undertake the design and development of the engine. The consortium can work under GTRE for the time-bound realisation of the engine.

 

[Predator]

Just to put things in perspective. All that has been achieved is solely the result of 2nd tier science and engineering graduates who could not get a job in the high paying private sector, or did not wish to move abroad. And they still achieved a lot of things despite having babus as their managers. Now, imagine if you can get absolute top tier engineers and scientists from IIT and super efficient managerial cadre to work together, the development will be superlative too. This is not rocket science. Or is it?

The guy who scored 37-45% in maths and physics is also doing engineering from sadakchap institute of technology. It's true that we lack talent pool.

 

[veenu]

So long as the mindset of L1 in government procurement procedure, enshrined in GFR, is adhered to, quality is bound to suffer. There is no need to elaborate the reason for the acceptance of compromised quality at the L-1 price in order to avoid CAG and other agencies' scrutiny and subsequent harassment. But the casualty is robust quality. Unfortunately, no one is bothered from the procurement agency, supplying agency and user department.

In his early days as PM, he showed his intention to tweak the tendering process but dropped the idea.

 

[Chitra]

India will never ever learn from mistakes. Every other person will kick the ball to the other's court when it comes to responsibility. The government is still stuck up with inefficient PSUs who refuse to deliver.

China has even opened up critical sectors for private sectors and India is still keeping those to their chests. Don't know when the babus will realise and open their eyes.

 

[Shiva]

L&T is supposed to request a research fund with the govt getting proprietary rights with some percentage retaining with L&T for proposed engine and don't depend this development related to purchase of any aircraft.

This fund, being govt based, in future once it is developed, if used anywhere, then its cost computation will be based on total cost and some percentage L&T will get out of it.

Instead, the companies expect Govt to pay higher money even for R&D and still wants to retain proprietary with itself and always next time asking higher funds. This is not fair.

 

[Skyfall]

Don't compare the US's $800B budget to India's $70B budget. India needs new weapons where most of the money is spent. Also, if large private companies need to operate in this field, they need to invest their money in R&D just like SSS defence did for its rifles or any other major consumable goods manufacturers did for their products.

If pvt companies have to invest for R&D where is the guarantee that GOI will buy their end product post tenders. Even in US &UK govt funds their development.

 

[Imaxxx]

The key to success lies in putting this project under PMO and thus getting rid of the babydoll of defence ministry. If it is developed on a war footing then Indian problems are nearly solved as Tejas MK2, ORCA, as well as AMCA can fly with it. Develop some good institutions to develop CMC technology and if TET is possible to be raised then we can develop a 5th generation engine.

No doubt a sign of failure of MoD

 

[Pankaj]

That's the word that Indian defence enthusiasts want to hear from the private sector. It's a matter of pride that L&T is coming forward to accept this challenge. No need to think of L1 and L2, here no one is in the race. Since the last 2 years, we failed to get a single engine from the world's number one aircraft engine manufacturer GE. And yes, of course, the government must assure and support you in all the possible ways. A PPP model under the direct control of the PMO would be better to serve the purpose as some defence PSUs have developed some basic ideas in the last 40 years while working on Kaveri engines. The inclusion of Godrej Aerospace, GTRE, BrahMos Aerospace, and ISRO could pace up the whole project.

 

[Avinash Gogoi]

There is a difference between making a rifle and making a jet engine..

Right... expect the government to invest billions in unproven Pvt sector companies.

 

[Avinash Gogoi]

If pvt companies have to invest for R&D where is the guarantee that GOI will buy their end product post tenders. Even in US &UK govt funds their development.

Arre bhai... They invest in companies which have a history of in delivering world class products... where is the history of Indian large Pvt companies in developing even a small to moderate indigenous product? Even WhAP and ATAGS was designed by govt entities.... the private entities are just manufacturing partners.

 

[Amit]

The MOD is damn confused about what it wants... The government wants a world-class product but does not want to spend money... It's understandable because of PSUs not delivering but over-promising, plus the red tape of babus... What we need is out-of-the-box thinking and proper execution and vision... Rajnath Singh is a good DM, but he is old and his process of working is old school... We need another Manohar Parikar who can envision and find solutions and not get lost in problems like Rajnath Singh...

 

[Arin Kumar]

Government should back opening advanced metallurgy, welding and mass metal-works manufacturing institutes for engine development. 2-year or 3-year diploma courses, 4 year B.Tech courses with hands-on training with well-equipped laboratories and good quality laboratory personnel and faculty should be opened for long-term sustainability of the aero-engine development program. Without proper development of research and educational institutes, the aero engine development program and consequent aircraft development will only give unsustainable piecemeal results.

 

[Provocateur Extraordinaire]

This is BS logic. The same argument can be applied to ISRO. Yet they achieved. I've seen IITs suck and 2nd tier excel. In the workplace, your educational background plays little to no role. The same DRDO has achieved great feats in the missile tech. So don't blame it on the academic background.

ISRO is one of a kind with a very focussed and specalised field and truth be told rockets and their accessories are relatively simpler to design and fabricate unlike the different products and other weapon systems which are more complex. So it's kind of daft to use this argument to buttress your pov.

 

[Mr Shawn]

The AMCA engine is a critical component of India's upcoming 5th-generation stealth fighter jet, the AMCA, being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)** and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL).

Key Details About the AMCA Engine:
1. Current Engine (Initial Phase):
- The first two squadrons (40 aircraft) will use the GE F414-INS6 engine (same as Tejas Mk2).
- Thrust: ~98 kN (with possible future upgrades).

2. Future Engine (Indigenous Powerplant):
- A joint venture between DRDO's GTRE and a foreign partner (likely Safran, Rolls-Royce, or GE) is developing a 110 kN thrust engine with thrust vectoring control (TVC).
- This engine will power AMCA Mk2 (6th-gen features) from the 5th squadron onwards.
- Key Features:
- Afterburning turbofan
- Advanced materials (ceramic matrix composites)
- Supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburner)

3. Stealth & Performance Needs:
- The engine must have low infrared (IR) and radar signatures for stealth.
- Serpentine air intakes and cooled exhaust nozzles to reduce detectability.

4. Timeline:
- AMCA Mk1 (F414 engines): Expected first flight by 2028-29, induction by 2032-35.
- AMCA Mk2 (Indigenous engine): Likely post-2035.

Challenges:
- Developing a high-thrust, reliable engine with TVC is complex.
- Past issues with Kaveri engine(for Tejas) highlight India's struggles in indigenous engine tech.

Foreign Collaboration?
- Safran (France) is a strong contender for co-development.
- Rolls-Royce (UK) and GE (USA) are also a potential contender.

 

[Mythbuster]

India of today has all the resources and money to develop a new engine in the next 10 years, the only thing stopping it is intent and vision. Just put the project under the PMO and be ready to invest 1.5 to 2 billion USD. Our private sector has enough potential and the country has enough talent to deliver this. Jai Hind.

 

[GMR]

Absolutely right Mr. Patil. However, we need to overcome many bottlenecks like all-round commitment from all stakeholders, adequate funding, bureaucracy, and patience. We are expecting an aero engine from scratch for 240 million! Amazing.

 

[Balarama Krishna Talasila]

L1 follows after establishing that all the contenders meet the desired technical qualifications. Details on how the new players have the desired competencies and plan for development should have been elaborated rather than quoting the prevailing policies as constraints.

 

[Ben]

Now, if Turkey and South Korea can develop their own jet engines, a country with India's technological capability should have been able to as well. So they are right.

 

[Imaxxx]

That's the word that Indian defence enthusiasts want to hear from the private sector. It's a matter of pride that L&T is coming forward to accept this challenge. No need to think of L1 and L2, here no one is in the race. Since the last 2 years, we failed to get a single engine from the world's number one aircraft engine manufacturer GE. And yes, of course, the government must assure and support you in all the possible ways. A PPP model under the direct control of the PMO would be better to serve the purpose as some defence PSUs have developed some basic ideas in the last 40 years while working on Kaveri engines. The inclusion of Godrej Aerospace, GTRE, BrahMos Aerospace, and ISRO could pace up the whole project.

Also remember that GE had told the Indian government that F404 engine line had no orders and would shut down. Still GOI/HAL did not place orders and the line was running on idle for 5 years, before they got the HAL order. They also warned GOI that it would take time to ramp up supplies. And here we are.

 

[Akshat]

Just to put things in perspective. All that has been achieved is solely the result of 2nd tier science and engineering graduates who could not get a job in the high paying private sector, or did not wish to move abroad. And they still achieved a lot of things despite having babus as their managers. Now, imagine if you can get absolute top tier engineers and scientists from IIT and super efficient managerial cadre to work together, the development will be superlative too. This is not rocket science. Or is it?

Just to put this into perspective, the 2nd tier graduates have actually not achieved anything. At all. After about 4 decades, we literally have nothing to show for it, at all. Nothing that can be powered by this engine. No one in the world has certified it.

Yes, we can achieve a lot if we work properly. But the biggest thing is to remove these DRDO morons. Then only things can move ahead.

But since you also mentioned the babus as managers, those babus also monitored ISRO, and came up with our green revolution, vaccine programs, UPI etc. If those can work brilliantly, then clearly the babus ain't the problem. It is DRDO and the DPSUs.

 

[Krishnendu Chatterjee]

While pvt. sector is goal-driven, govt. sectors can deliver if management acts tough and job security is withdrawn. Russia and China are examples. Their hi-tech projects are closely monitored. Non-performance invites various levels of punishment. Both Russia and China are prolific in introducing latest concepts. I don't think their scientists and engineers are more talented than ours. It's just the governance and administration. One more thing. DRDO has 51 affiliated labs, employs more than 50000 tech people, but delivers very little. Is it not time to downsize? Japan, Taiwan, South Korea have a very small pool of technocrats but they achieve a lot.

 

[Ammoman]

Why should Indian taxpayers fund Private Companies. They should fund themselves as they are keeping any profit.

Not a single private company has developed a fighter jet in the entire world with their own money. Read about the US 6th generation program. All paid for by the government and built privately because the US is the exclusive buyer and the US decides who can buy it.

The U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which includes the development of the sixth-generation F-47 fighter jet, is a significant investment. The program's initial engineering and manufacturing development contract is valued at over $20 billion. Additionally, the Air Force has budgeted $28.48 billion for the NGAD program from 2025 to 2029. Each NGAD fighter jet is expected to cost around $300 million, making it substantially more expensive than the F-35.

 

[Akshat]

This is BS logic. The same argument can be applied to ISRO. Yet they achieved. I've seen IITs suck and 2nd tier excel. In the workplace, your educational background plays little to no role. The same DRDO has achieved great feats in the missile tech. So don't blame it on the academic background.

Buddy, that logic is true when it comes to exceptions. Of course, there will be one or 2 bright students in every class. There will also be a few very bad students even in IITs. But on an average, the people who got into the IITs are there because they worked hard and had the IQ as a teenager. Some will obviously slip and some will obviously rise. But your chances of finding the best talent are always high in IITs, and the best talent always will be in IITs.

Now coming to the 'great feats' in missile tech. What so called great feats? We have no ATGMs, no Manpads, no cruise missiles, no ALBMs, no AShMs etc. Our SAMs and BVRAAMs are similar to 90s era tech (at least in terms of range). Pakistan had MIRVs before we did, and North Korea has higher range ballistic missiles than we do.

So what exactly is the great feat in missile tech? Can you name even one single missile of DRDO (no foreign assistance) which is a world leader in it's category and has earned any foreign orders while facing competition from Russia or West or Israel? Even a single one?

 

[Abs29]

ISRO is one of a kind with a very focussed and specalised field and truth be told rockets and their accessories are relatively simpler to design and fabricate unlike the different products and other weapon systems which are more complex. So it's kind of daft to use this argument to buttress your pov.

That and ISRO is a learning organization, that continuously learns from its mistakes. DRDO does not and keeps doing same thing over and over again.

 

[Torontodude]

Why should Indian taxpayers fund Private Companies. They should fund themselves as they are keeping any profit.

Pvt sector will only invest if they have assured returns. They are not going to develop the engine without guaranteed long term contracts.