Safran's 110kN Engine Can Also Power Tejas Mk2 if India Chooses it for AMCA Program, Says French Aerospace Giant

French aerospace giant Safran is making a strong bid to collaborate with India on the development of a powerful 110kN engine for the nation's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

In a move that could significantly impact India's fighter jet landscape, Safran has revealed that this new engine could also be integrated into the Tejas Mk2 if India decides to move away from the currently planned General Electric F-414 engine.

This revelation comes as India is actively pursuing local production of the F-414 to power its Tejas Mk2 fleet. However, the potential availability of a more powerful, domestically produced engine in the same timeframe presents a compelling alternative for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Safran projects that its 110kN engine will be ready for production around 2033-34, coinciding with the expected production timeline of the Tejas Mk2, slated to begin around 2029-30. This alignment offers India a unique opportunity to reassess its engine strategy for the Tejas Mk2, especially as the IAF anticipates receiving 120 of these jets by the late 2030s.

The IAF's future operational requirements, including the need for enhanced thrust and evolving air superiority challenges, could sway the decision in favor of Safran's offering. The 110kN engine could provide a significant performance boost to the Tejas Mk2, potentially influencing future orders and upgrades.

While India remains committed to its indigenous defence production goals, with ongoing discussions centered on localizing the F-414 engine production, Safran's proposal introduces a new dynamic.

The decision to adopt the 110kN engine for the Tejas Mk2 would involve careful consideration of technical compatibility, strategic operational needs, and geopolitical factors.

Safran's proposition highlights the evolving landscape of India's fighter jet programs. As the race to develop the 110kN engine for the AMCA intensifies, the potential implications for the Tejas Mk2 are becoming increasingly evident. The adaptability of Safran's engine to the Tejas platform could provide the IAF with valuable options to bolster its aerial capabilities in the years to come.

 

[Pad UwU]

Safran 110 kn m88 engine are all talks they should show us first it's overhype claim and integrate it so we can see if it fly's 😹😹😹

 

[Rinku Pandey]

If we spend the foreign exchange on private companies, a lot can be done with less cash.

No need to spend foreign exchange as already our currency is sliding down. Develop and Refine Kaveri 2.0,3.0 and stick it in mk1A,2,3 AMCA, ORCA, TEBDF.

 

[Dredd]

How is it sufficient? Its payload is low because of its weak engine. Mig29 (not Mig29K which is aircraft carrier version) has higher payload than Rafale. France does false advertising of Rafale having MToW of 24tons. AT 24tons, it can barely lift off after a long runway which is impractical. The usable max weight is 21-22 tons only. Mig29 has usable max weight of 25tons. This is a huge difference.

Mig29 max weapon payload capacity is 6 ton and Rafale is 9.5 ton, I am not sure about the naval version but there also rafale will have more payload capacity, Rafale also carry many sensor internally while same has to be put on pod in MiG29 which takes up hardpoints. Engine in Rafale are also much efficient compare to RD33 of Mig29 giving better range.

 

[What the heck]

even if you say 100 times more, 200 rafale are never going to happen and 110KN engine on rafale is even more unlikely.
safran succeeding engine development partner contract is not likely due to costs they are demanding.

I read an article in Reuters, it’s an old article, but it clearly explains IAF’s actual intention, they actually wanted to buy 200-300 single engine jets, so it is either F16 or SAAB Gripen.

https://www.reuters.com/article/world/india-offers-to-buy-200-foreign-combat-jets-if-they-re-made-in-india-idUSKCN12T0GL/

 

[PKPRS]

I read an article in Reuters, it’s an old article, but it clearly explains IAF’s actual intention, they actually wanted to buy 200-300 single engine jets, so it is either F16 or SAAB Gripen.

https://www.reuters.com/article/world/india-offers-to-buy-200-foreign-combat-jets-if-they-re-made-in-india-idUSKCN12T0GL/

My assesment is accurate, I also thought they will go for either F16 or SAAB Gripen, so Rafale and Rafale Dalals 👋✋ au revoir.

 

[Akshat]

Yes, it runs faster but with less payload. That is not good.

If you are considering max weight-empty weight, then Rafale is almost at the same level as F18. 14 tons vs 15 tons. But F18 has to burn more fuel for their engines which means net payload is the same.

Tejas is not even in the same category.

But Rafale can carry enough AAMa and can super cruise with them, which is very very useful.

 

[V K Singh]

Safran latest engine, with TOT and production in India will be a boost for Indian Aeronautic sector and defence production. It will fill an important gap in defence production . Best option by not depending on USA or Russia for this important engine.

 

[Avatar]

We should start production of GE-414 & Safran 110KN engines side by side to achieve timely delivery of initial batch of MK2 and more power in next batch. AMCA requirement will also be achieved

I wouldn't go for Safran engine. The French are too greedy and slow in everything. Best cholce will be RR or GE.