India's program to develop its own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is reaching a critical stage. The key decision now is selecting an international partner to co-develop the powerful engine that will propel the aircraft.
DRDO, through its Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), is currently evaluating final proposals from three major aerospace companies: General Electric (GE) from the United States, Rolls-Royce from the United Kingdom, and Safran from France.
The Indian government is expected to make a decision by the end of 2025. This choice will significantly impact the AMCA's capabilities, India's goal of defense self-sufficiency, and the country's strategic partnerships.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, the head of DRDO, confirmed the ongoing negotiations at the Aero India 2025 event. He stated that discussions were underway with GE, Rolls-Royce, and Safran for the joint development and production of the AMCA engine, with a decision anticipated by the end of the year. This timeline underscores India's drive to finalize a partner and begin development, with the aim of conducting engine trials by 2033 and starting production by 2035.
Each of the three contenders offers a unique combination of technology and strategic advantages.
General Electric (GE), a long-standing partner that already provides F404 engines for India's Tejas Mk-1 fighter and F414 engines for the Tejas Mk-2 and the initial version of the AMCA (Mk-1), is proposing to co-develop a powerful engine in the 110-130 kilonewton (kN) thrust class. GE offer, with experience, draws from its F414 engine design.
However, GE's proposal does not include a complete transfer of technology (ToT), largely due to U.S. export control regulations and India's existing defense relationship with Russia. While this might limit India's long-term control over the technology, it could allow for faster integration due to established supply chains.
Rolls-Royce, known for its EJ200 engine (which powers the Eurofighter Typhoon) and its involvement in the 6th-generation Tempest fighter program, is offering a co-development model that includes joint intellectual property rights (IPR). The British company is promising a full transfer of technology and the ability to customize the engine specifically for the AMCA.
Rolls-Royce estimates a ten-year timeframe from the signing of the agreement to the delivery of the first engines. Their proposal also emphasizes advanced technologies like hybrid propulsion and thermal management, potentially making the AMCA more adaptable to future needs.
However, the complexities of sharing intellectual property rights could potentially lead to longer negotiation periods.
Safran, the French company that manufactures the M88 engine for the Rafale fighter jet, has presented a particularly strong offer. The company is proposing a 100% transfer of technology, including full intellectual property rights, for a new engine also in the 110-130 kN thrust class.
Safran is leveraging its existing offset obligations from the Rafale deal and a potential plan to revitalize the Kaveri engine program. They pledge to manufacture the engine entirely in India, without any restrictions on exports, and to train Indian companies in crucial areas like metallurgy and design.
This approach strongly aligns with the India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. However, the potential for higher costs and a longer development timeline are important factors to consider.
