Rolls-Royce and Safran Sweetens AMCA Engine Offer with Variable Cycle Tech, Potentially Adapting to Future 6th-Gen Jets

The competition to develop the engine for India's next-generation fighter jet has intensified, as European aerospace leaders Rolls-Royce and Safran have both offered advanced Variable Cycle Engine (VCE) technology for the project.

In their proposals to India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), both companies have also guaranteed a complete 100% transfer of technology and intellectual property rights, a key demand for India's strategic autonomy.

The engine, which will have a thrust capacity between 110 and 130 kilonewtons (kN), is being co-developed with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The inclusion of VCE technology is a significant step, as it is typically associated with sixth-generation fighters, future-proofing the AMCA for decades to come.

The AMCA and its Strategic Importance​

The AMCA is the cornerstone of India's future air combat strategy and a critical element of its national defence modernization. This 5.5-generation stealth fighter is designed to give the Indian Air Force a technological edge over regional adversaries.

While the initial AMCA Mk-1 squadrons are expected to fly with an existing off-the-shelf engine, this new, powerful engine is being developed for the more advanced AMCA Mk-2 variant.

The project timeline aims for a first flight around 2029-2030, with induction into the armed forces slated for 2035.

For the aircraft to be effective, its engine must support demanding capabilities such as supercruise—the ability to fly at sustained supersonic speeds without using fuel-intensive afterburners.

It must also have a low infrared signature for stealth and be able to power advanced systems like AI-controlled drone swarms and directed-energy weapons.

Explaining Variable Cycle Technology​

The introduction of VCE technology directly addresses the DRDO's requirement for a future-ready power plant.

Unlike conventional jet engines that are fixed in their design for either high fuel efficiency or high thrust, a Variable Cycle Engine can change its internal airflow to adapt in flight.

It can operate with high fuel efficiency for long-range cruising and instantly switch to a high-thrust mode for combat manoeuvres.

This adaptability could provide up to 30% greater range and 20% faster acceleration compared to current fifth-generation engines, a crucial advantage for the AMCA platform.

Competing Offers from Aerospace Giants​

France's Safran has updated its initial proposal to meet India's requirements for complete technological sovereignty.

The company, known for the M88 engine that powers the Rafale jets, initially sought to retain 50% of the IPR. However, it has now matched its competitor's offer of full ownership.

This change comes after DRDO insisted on complete control, a lesson learned from past collaborations on the Kaveri engine program where limited technology access hindered independent development.

Safran's offer involves creating a brand-new 110–130 kN thrust engine that could also be used for India's Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).

Rolls-Royce of the United Kingdom is considered a strong contender in the race. The company has proposed a unique 110 kN engine specifically for India, distinct from the one it is developing for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Italy and Japan.

Leveraging its extensive experience with the Eurofighter Typhoon's EJ200 engine and the advanced technologies from the GCAP project, Rolls-Royce has highlighted its ability to deliver superior thermal management and reduced infrared signatures.

The company has also committed to establishing a manufacturing ecosystem in India, which could position the country as a future hub for aero-engine production.

The Decision Ahead​

The final decision, which is being overseen by the Prime Minister’s Office, represents a monumental investment of approximately $4.5 to $5 billion.

The selected partner will work with Indian agencies over the next seven to ten years to develop, test, and certify the engine, with serial production anticipated to begin by 2032-33.

This choice will be pivotal in shaping the future of Indian air power and its ambition of achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

 

HAL to Co-Develop LCH's Electronic Warfare Suite with A Global Partner, Reviewing Proposals from SAAB, Elettronica, Hensoldt, and Elbit

Smugglers attack BSF jawan along Indo-B'desh Border, two arrested

[Mc Addy]

Take both offers, no problem but get the engines somehow please.

 

[Ashram]

Have two parallel engines made: both RR and Safran. Use one for the Tejas range and the other for AMCA. Safran can also produce life-cycle replacement engines for the Rafale and other heavy-lift aircraft India plans to get made. India has to be an engine supplier to the world. If even the Su-57 or other variables are to be made, include the engines to be made in India. We cannot have arm-twisting actions like the GE-404 happening. India has to be self-sufficient. It's not bad to have the Japanese engine JV also simultaneously; yes, that will throw open competition, and this kind of dependability will be reduced.

 

[Flanker]

Would’ve preferred Rolls-Royce as they’ve more knowledge about 6th-gen engines, but they’re a US-controlled state; better go with Safran.

 

[sanket]

Good, RR offer is better. Every component should be sourced from local private players/vendors from Bharat along with IPR ownership, export rights, and modification. French Safran hasn't mentioned it; they may offer 100% IPR but still need to source engine components from vendors of Bharat and not from France. I have always said RR is the frontrunner, while French Safran will try to match the RR offer, but with past experience with Safran, it is better to have RR as the engine development partner for the AMCA 120 kN Thrust Engine.

 

[Anonymus]

Would’ve preferred Rolls-Royce as they’ve more knowledge about 6th-gen engines, but they’re a US-controlled state; better go with Safran.

Although it is a good offer from both Safran and Rolls-Royce, the biggest question is that they didn't themselves make any high-thrust engine and also didn't make any fifth-generation engine too. So, can they make AMCA engines in time?

 

[Anonymus]

Although it is a good offer from both Safran and Rolls-Royce, the biggest question is that they didn't themselves make any high-thrust engine, and also didn't make any 5th-gen engine, so can they make AMCA engines in time?

 

[Flanker]

Although it is a good offer from both Safran and Rolls-Royce, the biggest question is that they didn't themselves make any high-thrust engine and also didn't make any fifth-generation engine too. So, can they make AMCA engines in time?

Safran is better than Rolls Royce. Their engines are extremely light, can supercruise, better Stealth.

 

[Anonymus]

Safran is better than Rolls Royce. Their engines are extremely light, can supercruise, better Stealth.

You didn't understand the question. It's never the question who is better, nor doubting their capabilities. Can they make it on time, as both countries have never made a high-thrust engine, and that too 5th-gen?

 

[abhinav srivastava]

To de-risk, have two programs. Go with Safran for the 110-130 KN engine. Choose Rolls-Royce for the 150 KN engine which can be used in our 6th gen jets.

 

[Praveen]

You didn't understand the question. It's never the question who is better, nor doubting their capabilities. Can they make it on time, as both countries have never made a high-thrust engine, and that too 5th-gen?

RR made one engine for the F-35 but got the project cancelled in the prototype testing phase. Safran, on the other hand, we should not choose. It never gave full IP, never optimised the Shakti engine; even the engine it is talking about is completed in dreams only.

 

[sanket]

To de-risk, have two programs. Go with Safran for the 110-130 KN engine. Choose Rolls-Royce for the 150 KN engine which can be used in our 6th gen jets.

Financially, it's not a feasible project. The AMCA engine itself will be 120 kN thrust, scalable to 145 kN thrust without any further major modification. That means the AMCA engine, with foreign collaboration, will have thrust close to 145 kN. There's no need for a separate 150 kN engine with a different partner and wasting funds. The AMCA engine development project itself is going to cost $4 to $5 billion.

 

[rimuru uchiha]

Good, RR offer is better. Every component should be sourced from local private players/vendors from Bharat along with IPR ownership, export rights, and modification. French Safran hasn't mentioned it; they may offer 100% IPR but still need to source engine components from vendors of Bharat and not from France. I have always said RR is the frontrunner, while French Safran will try to match the RR offer, but with past experience with Safran, it is better to have RR as the engine development partner for the AMCA 120 kN Thrust Engine.

RR is a company that is controlled by the UK, and the UK is controlled by the US, so I don't think it will be a good job to give it to RR.

 

[jayesh patel]

Mark my words, no Western company will give this engine tech to India. India will have to develop on her own. These companies will just do bait and switch tactics to delay and derail Indian projects.

 

[sanket]

RR is a company that is controlled by the UK, and the UK is controlled by the US, so I don't think it will be a good job to give it to RR.

But Safran needs to source components from Bharat which have been manufactured by local private players, unlike Safran, who wants control over hot core section components and wants to manufacture and supply these components to the AMCA Engine from French. While from the prototype stage, every component needs to be manufactured in Bharat by local vendors to build an ecosystem around it. Safran hasn't yet matched the RR offer. Each and every nut bolt of the engine should be manufactured in Bharat without any restriction. RR's offer is different than the Tempest engine; it's a clean slate engine, while Safran may use funds for developing its own FCAS Engine tech too. Safran's experience with the Kaveri Engine was not good, neither did they fulfill the 36 Rafale offset clause.

 

[Sunny]

Only the US has developed VCE technology. RR and Safran would probably use us and our funds to test and develop this technology. We should just focus on 5th-gen engine co-development, which will be quicker.

 

[Anonymus]

RR made one engine for the F-35 but got the project cancelled in the prototype testing phase. Safran, on the other hand, we should not choose. It never gave full IP, never optimised the Shakti engine; even the engine it is talking about is completed in dreams only.

It was proposed but never made. That was a Rolls-Royce GE engine, not entirely Rolls-Royce, so technically and physically, Rolls-Royce still didn't have a high-thrust engine.

The prototype you are talking about is the XA100, which has nothing to do with Rolls-Royce; it was entirely made by GE.

 

[coke]

The stance of the UK government on the F-35 case shows how much value they give India as a partner. It is all just bluff; they are puppets of Uncle Sam and will give nothing.

 

[SURESH RAO]

Look at GE. They have 120+ kN tech. Look at Pratt & Whitney; they have 120+ kN tech. Look at NPO Saturn; they have 120+ kN tech. Safran doesn't even have 85 kN tech. The Snecma M88-4 engine will take at least 5 years for rollout. It just produces 85 to 90 kN thrust.

 

[Avada kedavra]

If France has really offered 100% ToT, including the engine core section, then I would say let's go for it. From my limited research, I can say France hasn't violated any signed contracts till now, unlike the US and Russia.

The Brits haven't been involved in any bigs, so their commitments are still a mystery.

 

[SURESH RAO]

It's not just about thrust—it's about the technology behind it. Safran doesn't have a 120 kN engine simply because they haven't needed one. The Rafale is a relatively compact aircraft that performs exceptionally well with the M88. Their focus has been on efficiency, reliability, and advanced tech, not raw power. So judging them solely on thrust rating misses the bigger picture.

When we talk about AMCA, we need 120+ kN. Safran doesn't have an optimized, efficient, well-designed, low-weight engine of more than 75 kN. The idea is to produce an optimized, compact, efficient, well-designed, low-weight engine having thrust more than 120 kN for AMCA. It will take a minimum of 10 years for Safran to produce this engine, even if they have 50+ years of engine development history.

 

[Vivek Singh]

Although it is a good offer from both Safran and Rolls-Royce, the biggest question is that they didn't themselves make any high-thrust engine, and also didn't make any 5th-gen engine, so can they make AMCA engines in time?

Neither RR nor Safran are capable of developing 6th Gen Aero Engines with internal funds. Their host countries will provide some funds, but not enough. That is why they are looking at India. If they didn't need Indian money, they wouldn't offer any technology, forget about 100% ToT and IPR.

Just like every other R&D project, there will be risks. There will most definitely be delays and overruns.

Sadly, that's the best option India has right now. The alternative is doing nothing and struggling with engines even in the 2040s.

This is a risk we will have to take.

 

[Sudha]

Neither RR nor Safran are capable of developing 6th Gen Aero Engines with internal funds. Their host countries will provide some funds, but not enough. That is why they are looking at India. If they didn't need Indian money, they wouldn't offer any technology, forget about 100% ToT and IPR.

Just like every other R&D project, there will be risks. There will most definitely be delays and overruns.

Sadly, that's the best option India has right now. The alternative is doing nothing and struggling with engines even in the 2040s.

This is a risk we will have to take.

This is a commercual contract. Without benefits no one will sign a contract. Each will be getting his own benefits. Tech for money.