Why India Should Pursue Fully Indigenous 120kN AMCA Engine with Govt-Funded, Private-Sector Led Approach, Rejecting Foreign ToT

Retired Air Vice Marshal Suresh Singh has strongly advocated for India to develop the engine for its upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) entirely domestically, dismissing the possibility of meaningful collaboration with foreign companies.

He argues that crucial jet engine technology will not be shared by international partners, making self-reliance the only viable path forward for the planned 120kN thrust engine.

Speaking with conviction, AVM Singh asserted that expecting foreign entities to co-design or transfer core technology is unrealistic. "Nobody in the world is going to co-design, co-develop, or give technology to you," he stated, emphasizing that global aerospace leaders have invested heavily in their proprietary technologies and are unlikely to share them in a way that creates competition or reduces their revenue streams.

This perspective contrasts with recent statements from DRDO officials indicating ongoing discussions with foreign OEMs like GE, Safran, and Rolls-Royce for potential co-development partnerships to reduce risks and development time for the AMCA engine, which is targeted for the AMCA Mk2 variant.

AVM Singh drew parallels with historical jet engine development to illustrate that determined indigenous efforts can succeed. He recalled Frank Whittle's initial struggles in Britain versus Hans von Ohain's state-backed success in Germany, along with instances of reverse-engineering by the USA and Russia, suggesting that technological breakthroughs are achievable through national will and resources.

He acknowledged that engine development is inherently complex, citing ongoing issues even with modern engines like those from Pratt & Whitney, but noted that advanced simulation tools available today can significantly speed up the process compared to the past.

Addressing the history of India's own Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and its decades-long work on the Kaveri engine program – which faced significant challenges including not meeting thrust requirements, delays, and cost overruns, ultimately being delinked from the Tejas fighter program – Singh suggested a new direction.

While acknowledging GTRE's efforts, he proposed that the organisation should transition into a leadership role focused on R&D and technology integration, rather than sole development.

His proposed solution involves establishing a government-funded "Mission Aero Engine." This initiative would see a consortium of India's leading private sector companies take charge of developing the 120kN engine, suitable not only for the AMCA but potentially adaptable for other military and civilian aircraft.

GTRE would act as the integrator and technical authority. Singh suggested breaking down the engine development into manageable components, with major systems handled by large firms and sub-component R&D and testing delegated to smaller enterprises.

Citing international collaborative models like the V2500 and EJ200 engines, AVM Singh recommended a structure with a fixed lead integrator and partners sharing risks and revenue.

Crucially, he insisted this mission must receive dedicated funding from the Government of India and be overseen directly by the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure focus and accountability, similar to the successful ISRO model.

Current government policies increasingly favour private sector participation in defence manufacturing, aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative and setting ambitious targets for domestic production and exports.

The retired Air Vice Marshal stressed the urgency, stating India cannot afford another multi-decade wait for a homegrown engine. He urged GTRE, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Ministry of Defence to adopt this private-sector-led consortium approach.

"If it can be developed in one part of the globe, it can be developed in India," he affirmed.

Concluding his address, AVM Singh made a direct appeal to GTRE and DRDO leadership for decisive action, cautioning that anything less than complete technological mastery is inadequate for critical systems like jet engines, where even minor failures can have severe consequences.

He declared it is time for Indian industry, supported by focused government funding and oversight, to step up and deliver this vital capability for the nation's defence.

The discussion also noted the need to harness industry capabilities and address budgeting and timelines effectively, reinforcing Singh's call for a nationally driven, collaborative effort towards achieving self-reliance in advanced aero engine technology.

 

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[Foxbat]

OK fine but when will these Indigenous 120kN AMCA Engine will be ready with the desired level of output performance ideally to power AMCA? There are certain critical advanced technologies which our Indian engineers have mastered advanced technologies such as the engine temperature control in the hot section durability, second-generation single crystal blades (CMSX-4). These blades can operate at 1080°C, Turbine Entry Temperature (TET) will rise from 1450°C to 1500°C. The most important question is, is there a time line for the final product. During the long years of attempts to produce an indigenous fighter jet engine has not yield the desired level of success in meeting the specifications to power a fighter aircraft. By right there should have been gradually progress with collaboration between private sectors and GTRE long ago. I strongly believe the critical advanced technologies could have been achieved along these years if there has been a well planned R&D, partnership between GTRE and private sectors and coupled with effective leadership at DRDO, GTRE and HAL to have a robust planning and delivery goals. It is not the proper thing to do support indigenous manufacture 120kN engine for AMCA by discouraging collaboration with foreign partners. Time is essence here, china has gained enormous lead with self sufficient advanced technology defence products. South Korea and turkey is in midst of developing 5th gen fighter. Are we going to sit and try to do something in a snail pace left behind while our adversaries are well equipped with better arsenal and in huge numbers. If we don't have the adequate knowledge and expertise in some critical areas we need to take proactive measures to overcome the shortcomings in our disposal by collaborating with a willing foreign partner who is willing to share the technology. Go for collaboration with a foreign partners in producing a 120kN engine and knowledge for our future products.

 

[Senapati]

Mission Indigenious aeroengine is to be government funded government t controlled and monitored.
For that either DRDO GTRE or ADA has to take the lead role.
Private Public sector Gov MSME and IIT NIT all can participate to contribute as per there area of expertise.

 

[sanket]

Oh, the idea behind is to develop the engine within a 10 to 15 years timeframe. Second, if it has to develop the engine indigenously, it will take 15 to 20 years to develop. Time is money. First, get the tech from an experienced foreign partner, absorb the tech, then in the future, we will develop our own engine. Third, the engine will have a further 20% potential, which means 120 kN thrust for AMCA, while for the 6th Gen fighter jet, it will have 145 kN thrust with minor modification. That's the concept to take help from a foreign partner in the development of the AMCA engine. I think even prototype engines may also be going to be assembled in Bharat with locally sourced components (eco-system). Otherwise, if it was to develop indigenously, some critical components have to be imported from foreign countries. Get the eco-system developed, make the base, master the technology, and then launch future variants on its own. This way, time will be saved.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It is way more risky if we go it alone for 6th gen engine development, given our terrible history with the Kaveri project.

It is true that we might not get all the critical tech by going with a foreign partner, but at least we will have a functional engine in 10-15 years.

If we go it alone, there is a good chance that even after 15 years of R&D, we have nothing to show for it, and we will have to go beg US or Russia to sell us 5th gen jets while they fly their own 6th or 7th gen jets.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

We should go for both the options and have two different engines.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Start small and move up KN number every 3-4 years. We successfully developed ~4KN Manik engine but failed with the 25 KN engine. Develop 10-15 KN, 20-25 KN then move up. No foreign country will give you full engine tech for a few billion dollars. Recall the FGFA program with Russia.

 

[Surfer]

Why didn’t we develop a decent engine for the last 40-50 years even after screw-driving at least ten jet engines in the past?

 

[DB_NE_Guy]

Do GoI have certain programs intended to recruit the best minds of Indians working overseas?

In my opinion, there must be both Plan A and Plan B simultaneously. In case of Plan A failure, Plan B will be handy.

• Plan A: Just as this veteran says
• Plan B: Develop an engine with RR or foreign assistance.

India must learn a lesson from the Tejas engine fiasco.

 

[Arry]

Although I'm not an expert and am new to this community, I think we should go with a foreign OEM (Rolls Royce) to match the current engine development timeframe.

In addition to collaborating with foreign OEMs for 6th-generation engine development for the AMCA Mk2, India should emphasize building domestic joint ventures akin to Russia's UEC.

These initiatives could enhance existing indigenous engines like the Kaveri and HTFE-25, while also delving into new technologies such as turboprop engines for transport aircraft, turboshaft engines for helicopters, and marine propulsion systems. Such a strategic focus would strengthen self-reliance and unlock immense potential for innovation and growth across defence and commercial sectors.

 

[Sambit Ranjan]

While developed countries like the UK, Japan, and France, having sophisticated Engine Technologies and Expertise, are collaborating to develop Next Generation engines looking at the cost and complexity, this uncle wants GTRE to develop a Next Generation Engine for India alone with a peanut-sized fund from the Indian Govt for R&D.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

Sirji, we aren't even making engines for 4th gen jets and he is asking to make 120kN engines by ourselves. While the idea is good and I understand the feeling, but what about capability?

 

[RG]

I believe there should be two efforts in parallel: one with the Indian private sector, with GTRE providing technical assistance on what they have; the second effort should be with a foreign partner who can help establish a full testing facility plus deliver next-generation technology and an engine. Even if the foreign partner withdraws, which is likely as seen historically, there would be a domestic engine to work with. The third is to work on a pluggable power module, which can use any kind of engine; future aircraft must be designed for a power module, not an engine-specific design.