India is making significant strides toward finalizing a partnership for the development of a cutting-edge 6th-generation engine for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MK-2 program. This ambitious initiative represents a strategic leap in India's aerospace capabilities, bypassing conventional development stages to directly pursue next-generation propulsion technology.

According to recent reports, French aerospace giant Safran appears to be leading the race, with Rolls-Royce from the UK and General Electric (GE) from the US remaining strong contenders for this high-stakes collaboration estimated at $5 billion.

The development timeline aims to have the engine ready for production by 2032-33, with three prototype engines specifically developed for rigorous ground testing before proceeding to flight testing. This bold move positions India among an elite group of nations developing future combat aircraft propulsion systems and aims to revolutionize its air combat capabilities by 2040.

Current Status of The AMCA Program And Engine Development: AMCA Program Overview

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft represents India's most ambitious indigenous fighter jet program, designed to establish the country as a developer of advanced military aviation technology. The program features a two-phased approach with distinct variants: the AMCA MK-1 and the more advanced AMCA MK-2. According to DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat, the initial squadron of AMCA MK-1 will be powered by GE-supplied F-414 engines that will be locally manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

This interim solution allows India to proceed with fifth-generation fighter development while simultaneously working on more advanced propulsion systems for the future variants. The strategic approach ensures continuity in India's fighter development program while also planning for significant technological leaps in subsequent iterations. The AMCA program represents a cornerstone of India's ambitions to develop indigenous aerospace capabilities across the entire spectrum of technologies required for modern combat aircraft.

Engine Selection Process

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has made a strategic decision to equip the AMCA MK-2 variant with a next-generation high-thrust engine incorporating 6th-generation technology. Rather than developing incremental improvements to existing fifth-generation engines, India is pursuing a technological leap to ensure the AMCA remains competitive against future aerial threats well into the mid-21st century.

Dr. Kamat has confirmed that DRDO is actively engaged in discussions with three major international aerospace engine manufacturers: French Safran, British Rolls-Royce, and American General Electric. These negotiations aim to establish a collaborative framework that balances technological advancement with India's requirements for domestic production and technology transfer. The selection process is expected to conclude soon, with reports indicating Safran may be in the lead position as of April 2025.

Technical Specifications And Innovations: Advanced Propulsion Technology

The 6th-generation engine for the AMCA MK-2 is expected to incorporate revolutionary propulsion technologies that represent a significant advancement over conventional fighter engines. According to information from a senior GE Aerospace India official, DRDO desires an engine with capabilities similar to GE's XA100 adaptive cycle engine, a cutting-edge technology currently undergoing advanced testing.

Adaptive cycle engines offer dramatic improvements in efficiency, range, and thermal management compared to conventional engines, along with significantly enhanced acceleration capabilities that would give the AMCA MK-2 distinct advantages in aerial combat scenarios. These engines can dynamically adjust their operation based on flight conditions, optimizing performance across the entire flight envelope from take-off to supersonic cruise. The ability to maintain high performance across diverse operational conditions will give the AMCA MK-2 a decisive edge in future aerial engagements against potential adversaries.

Performance Parameters

The proposed 6th-generation engine is expected to deliver exceptional performance metrics that exceed current engine capabilities in service with the Indian Air Force. According to DRDO specifications, the core of the new engine will have a dry thrust of 75kN, which is comparable to the AL-31F engine that has a dry thrust of 76kN.

However, with advanced afterburner technology, the engine is expected to generate over 130kN of thrust, significantly exceeding the benchmark of 110kN initially established for the program. While specific details remain confidential due to their strategic nature, the engine is expected to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, potentially including variable cycle capabilities that would allow for optimal performance across different flight regimes, from subsonic to supersonic speeds, and enhance fuel efficiency during extended missions. These performance parameters would enable the AMCA MK-2 to achieve super-cruise capability, a critical feature for modern air superiority fighters.

International Collaboration And Technology Transfer: Leading Contenders

As of April 2025, French aerospace giant Safran appears to be the frontrunner in the competition to partner with India on the 6th-generation engine development program, building upon the existing strategic partnership between India and France in defence technologies. However, Rolls-Royce from the United Kingdom and General Electric from the United States remain strong contenders, each offering unique technological advantages and strategic benefits that could serve India's long-term aerospace ambitions.

The final decision will likely depend on various factors, including technological capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and the level of commitment to technology transfer and local production facilities within India. Each company brings specific expertise in advanced propulsion systems that could significantly benefit India's aerospace sector, with their respective governments potentially offering additional incentives to secure this strategically important contract.

Technology Transfer And Indigenous Production

A crucial aspect of this international partnership is the commitment to 100% Transfer of Technology and the establishment of production facilities within India. This ensures that every component of the engine can be manufactured locally, aligning with India's "Make in India" initiative and its pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology across all critical domains.

Complete technology transfer would provide India with the capability to independently maintain, upgrade, and eventually develop future generations of jet engines without external dependencies. The collaboration aims to establish a robust aerospace ecosystem within India, fostering the development of specialized skills and manufacturing capabilities for advanced propulsion systems. This approach not only serves immediate military requirements but also creates a foundation for India's long-term technological advancement in the broader aerospace sector.

Timeline And Financial Investment: Development Roadmap

The ambitious development program for the 6th-generation engine follows a structured timeline designed to align with the AMCA MK-2's entry into service around 2040. According to current projections, the engine is expected to be ready for production by 2032-33, following extensive development and testing phases to ensure reliability and performance.

Before production begins, three prototype engines will be specifically developed for rigorous ground testing to identify and resolve any technical issues that might emerge in such advanced propulsion technology. This methodical approach will ensure the engine meets all performance parameters and reliability standards before proceeding to more challenging in-flight testing regimes. The careful sequencing of development milestones reflects the technical complexity involved in creating cutting-edge propulsion systems that push the boundaries of current aerospace technology.

Financial Commitment

The collaborative project for developing the 6th-generation engine is estimated to cost around $5 billion, representing a significant investment in India's aerospace future and long-term strategic capabilities. This substantial funding will not only support the engine's development but also establish a local production line in India, creating a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem that can support the AMCA program and potentially future propulsion needs.

The investment covers the creation of prototypes, extensive ground and flight testing infrastructure, and the establishment of specialized manufacturing facilities equipped with advanced production technologies. While representing a substantial financial commitment, this investment is strategic in nature, aimed at securing technological sovereignty in a critical defence domain that has traditionally been dominated by a handful of international suppliers.

Strategic Implications For India's Air Power: Enhancing The Indian Air Force's Capabilities

The development of the 6th-generation engine for the AMCA MK-2 is a crucial component of India's broader goal to achieve a 42-squadron strength for its Indian Air Force (IAF), with ambitions to expand to 60 squadrons by 2047. Currently, the IAF operates around 31 fighter squadrons, significantly below its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons deemed necessary to effectively counter threats on India's two-front borders with neighbouring countries.

Each squadron typically comprises 18-20 aircraft, meaning the IAF's present fleet translates to approximately 550-600 fighters, creating a significant capability gap that needs to be addressed through both quantity and technological quality. The introduction of advanced platforms like the AMCA, powered by cutting-edge 6th-generation engines, would significantly enhance the IAF's combat capabilities, providing technological superiority that could compensate for numerical disadvantages in potential conflict scenarios.

Long-Term Strategic Vision

As India approaches the centennial of its independence in 2047, the Indian Air Force has set an ambitious target of expanding its fighter aircraft fleet to 60 squadrons, which translates to approximately 1,080-1,200 fighter aircraft—nearly doubling its current strength. This expansion, coupled with technological advancement in platforms like the AMCA MK-2, aligns with India's broader vision of becoming a fully self-reliant defence power by 2047, capable of designing and manufacturing advanced military systems independently.

The 6th-generation engine development represents not just a technological advancement but a strategic shift in how India approaches defence capabilities, moving from being predominantly an importer of technology to becoming a developer of cutting-edge systems. This transformation has significant implications for India's strategic autonomy and its position in the evolving global security architecture.

Technological Challenges And Opportunities: Overcoming Development Hurdles

While India's ambition to equip the AMCA MK-2 with a 6th-generation engine represents a bold vision, it also presents significant technological and financial challenges that must be systematically addressed through the international partnership. Developing advanced adaptive cycle engines requires expertise in materials science, thermodynamics, control systems, and manufacturing processes that push the boundaries of current aerospace technology and industrial capabilities. The complexity of these systems explains why only a few countries and companies have successfully developed such advanced propulsion technologies for military applications. By partnering with established aerospace giants, India aims to mitigate these challenges while accelerating its learning curve in advanced engine development to avoid the difficulties encountered with previous indigenous engine programs like Kaveri.

Creating Future Opportunities

The development of a 6th-generation engine creates opportunities beyond the immediate application in the AMCA MK-2, potentially revolutionizing India's entire aerospace sector. The technologies, expertise, and infrastructure developed through this program could support future indigenous development of propulsion systems for various platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles, transport aircraft, and potentially even civilian applications that could benefit from advances in propulsion efficiency.

The establishment of a high-technology aerospace manufacturing ecosystem would create economic opportunities through job creation, skill development, and potential export capabilities once the technology matures. Furthermore, mastery of advanced propulsion technology would position India as one of the few nations capable of developing complete combat aircraft systems independently, enhancing its geopolitical standing.

Conclusion

India's pursuit of a 6th-generation engine for the AMCA MK-2 represents a watershed moment in its aerospace and defence capabilities, marking a transition from technology adoption to technology creation. By skipping conventional development stages to directly pursue cutting-edge propulsion technology, India is positioning itself among an elite group of nations shaping the future of air combat in the mid-21st century.

The selection of an international partner, with Safran currently leading the race as of April 2025, will mark a crucial milestone in this ambitious journey, setting the stage for technological advancement that will resonate well beyond military applications. With significant financial investment of approximately $5 billion and a commitment to 100% technology transfer, India is laying the groundwork for aerospace self-reliance while enhancing its air combat capabilities for decades to come. The successful development of this engine by the target production date of 2032-33 will not only revolutionize India's air power but also establish the country as a significant player in the global aerospace technology ecosystem.

IDN