India and France to collaborate on next-generation fighter jet engines

India’s Ministry of Defense firmly endorses a strategic partnership with France for the co-development of next-generation fighter jet engines. This collaboration is set to significantly enhance India’s advanced manufacturing and design capabilities. After an extensive consultation and a rigorous evaluation by a technical committee examining all critical aspects of fighter jet engine manufacturing, the ministry has unequivocally identified the French aerospace firm Safran as the premier partner, providing the most advantageous terms.

This bold recommendation paves the way for the co-development of a powerful 120 kilonewton (kN) thrust engine for future combat platforms, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The government has thoroughly evaluated proposals from Safran and Rolls-Royce of the UK, and Safran’s offer stands out as the clear frontrunner. This is due to two compelling reasons: its alignment with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) timeline and its unwavering commitment to full technology transfer.

India is currently in advanced discussions with GE Aerospace to locally co-produce the F414 engine, which is intended for the more powerful Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) or HAL Tejas Mark 2. The proposed deal, estimated to be worth around $1 billion, includes up to 80 percent technology transfer—an arrangement deemed essential for developing the engine ecosystem in India. As per the current plan, the first AMCA squadrons are likely to be powered by US-made GE-414 engines.

The GE F414-INS6 engine, already chosen for the Tejas Mk II, will ensure the necessary performance for the first batch of India’s indigenous fifth-gen fighter aircraft. The GE F414-INS6 is an advanced turbofan engine developed by General Electric. It offers a maximum thrust of 98 kN (22,000 pounds), which will enable the initial batch of AMCAs to achieve the necessary performance in challenging operational environments.

Fighter jet engines are among the most complex components in aerospace manufacturing, and only a handful of nations possess the necessary expertise. India is projected to require over 250 next-gen engines in the next decade.

Comparison of 5th-generation fighter’s engine

1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, US
   Engine: 2 Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofans – 26,000 lbf (120 kN) thrust each dry, 35,000 lbf (160 kN) with afterburner
2. Lockheed Martin F-35, US
   Engine: Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 afterburning turbofan, 28,000 lbf (120 kN) thrust dry, 43,000 lbf (190 kN) with afterburner
3. Sukhoi Su-57, RUSSIA
   Engine: 2 × Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofan, 19,900 lbf (88.3 kN) thrust each dry, 32,000 lbf(142.2 kN) with afterburner, 33,100 lbf (147.1 kN) in emergency power
4. Chengdu J-20, CHINA
   Engine: 2 × Shenyang WS-10C afterburning turbofan, 32,000 lbf (142 kN) with afterburner
5. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), INDIA
   Engine: 2 × GE F414-GE-INS6 afterburning turbofan, 58.5 kN (13,200 lbf) thrust each dry, 98 kN (22,000 lbf) with afterburner (initial production)
6. Shenyang J-35, CHINA
   Engine: 2 × Guizhou WS-13E (FC-31) or Guizhou WS-21 (J-35) afterburning turbofans, 87.2–93.2 kN (19,600–21,000 lbf) with afterburner
7. Sukhoi Su-75, RUSSIA
   Engine: 1 × NPO Saturn AL-51F-1 (derivative) afterburning turbofan, 161.9 kN (36,400 lbf) with afterburner
8. TAI TF Kaan, TURKEY
   Engine: 2 × General Electric F110-GE-129 Turbofan, 76.3 kN (17.155 lbf) thrust each dry, 131 kN (29,000 lbf) with afterburner

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