India is making a significant push to develop advanced combat aircraft engines domestically, with the government urging the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) to collaborate with either Britain’s Rolls-Royce or France’s Safran.
Driving Self-Reliance in Engine Technology
The Indian government recognizes that access to cutting-edge engine technology is a critical factor for its defence capabilities. This realization has led to a strategic decision to co-develop aircraft engines within India, rather than relying solely on imports.
Both Rolls-Royce and Safran are top contenders for this crucial partnership, especially concerning the upcoming fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. The DRDO is actively preparing a Cabinet note to formalize this collaboration, signaling a strong commitment from the government.
Global Players Offer Deep Collaboration
Leading aerospace companies, Rolls-Royce and Safran, have expressed keen interest in joining forces with DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) lab in Bengaluru. Significantly, both have offered a full Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), which is vital for India to truly build its indigenous capabilities.
This commitment to sharing technology and intellectual property underscores the strategic importance of the partnership. A Cabinet note is expected to be floated soon, kickstarting the formal process.
Why India Needs Indigenous Engines
Recent delays in engine supplies from GE for India’s Tejas aircraft, largely due to global supply chain disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighted a critical vulnerability. This experience reinforced the urgent need for India to gain greater control over its engine procurement and manufacturing.
For India’s defence forces, robust and reliable engine technology is not just about power; it’s about strategic autonomy and ensuring the timely readiness of its aircraft fleet. The goal is to establish a local supply base and a thriving ecosystem for aircraft engine development.
Powering the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
The immediate focus for this collaboration is the AMCA, a twin-engine 5.5-generation stealth fighter. Both Rolls-Royce and Safran have agreed to co-develop a new engine for this ambitious project, targeting a thrust class of 110-130 kN, which is essential for capabilities like supercruise and stealth optimization.
While initial AMCA prototypes and the first production batch will use imported GE F414 engines, the powerful locally-produced engines are earmarked for the AMCA Mk2 variant. The first flight of the AMCA is targeted for 2029-2030, with induction planned by 2035.
Lessons from Marine Engine Development
India has already begun a similar journey in marine engine development. The Indian Navy sanctioned a project with Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd to design and develop a 6 MW-medium speed marine diesel engine with over 50 percent indigenous content. This project aims to reduce reliance on imported engines for naval ships and Coast Guard vessels.
This successful model provides a template for replicating similar self-reliance in aircraft engines. The ultimate aim is for Indian companies to own and master engine technology across various sectors, from aviation to automobiles.
Proposals from Key Contenders
Rolls-Royce’s proposal includes developing a range of high-thrust turbofan engines that could also find use in transport and civilian aircraft. Safran, on the other hand, proposes a prototype derived from its Rafale fighter’s M88 engine family. Safran also plans to leverage its offset obligations from the Rafale deal, potentially boosting India’s indigenous Kaveri engine program.
- India is pushing for indigenous development of combat aircraft engines, seeking global partners.
- Rolls-Royce and Safran are the top contenders, offering full Transfer of Technology and IPR.
- The move is driven by the need for strategic autonomy and lessons from past supply chain issues.
- The primary focus is on developing a new engine for the advanced AMCA fighter jet.
- Success in marine engine development serves as a blueprint for this ambitious aviation project.
Beyond this engine initiative, India is also exploring options for immediate needs, including proposals from Russia (Su-57) and the US (F-35) for fifth-generation aircraft, while also focusing on mid-air refuellers and Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS).
