India’s Jet Engine enigma: Pushing the thrust through global collaborations—co-development IPs

India’s quest for jet engines is now in bloom at the highest level. It is the sine qua non for Indian defence. The question of achieving high-thrust jet engines also stretches to marine propulsion. Manish Kumar Jha delves deeper into such a national mission. 

India stands at a pivotal crossroads in aerospace propulsion technology. As the nation’s airpower ambitions scale new heights through platforms like the Tejas Mk2, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and potential future stealth and unmanned aerial systems, the quest for a high-thrust indigenous jet engine has transformed from a strategic desire into a critical necessity. Jet engine technology, often considered the pinnacle of aerospace engineering, demands not only cutting-edge materials and advanced thermodynamic design but also an industrial ecosystem to manufacture and sustain them over decades.

In the 1970s, the US Navy initiated a Lightweight Fighter program (which evolved into the YF-17 and then the F/A-18). The program demanded a compact, lightweight, durable, and modular engine with quick throttle response and high reliability, especially in carrier operations.

General Electric responded by designing a brand-new engine: the F404-GE-400, specifically tailored for this role. They looked for a brand-new firepower for the modern era, marked for a high thrust-to-weight ratio (around 1:1). Rather than scaling an existing core, GE started from scratch, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and engineering philosophies. F 404 inspired F414 engine (used in Super Hornet, Gripen E, and to be used in futuristic Tejas Mk2): an evolution with increased thrust (~98 kN), FADEC, and better thermal efficiency.

That is the journey of a modern fighter jet engine—and that is required to develop from scratch, assimilating the best-in-class approach. For India, that is now about co-development. 

India’s Propulsion Challenge: Clarity and cost

India’s primary challenge in developing a high-performance jet engine has never been about vision, but about execution. The indigenous Kaveri engine, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), fell short of meeting thrust and reliability requirements for modern fighter jets. The program, however, laid the foundational knowledge base and infrastructure, giving India valuable experience in turbine dynamics, metallurgy, and engine integration.

To bridge the capability gap and accelerate technology access, India has turned toward deep partnerships with global jet engine leaders like Safran (France), General Electric (USA), and Rolls-Royce (UK), seeking co-development and manufacturing collaboration rather than mere transfer of technology.

However, the development of advanced jet engine technology is a costly but necessary endeavour, with India estimating a potential investment of Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 crore (approximately $4 to $5 billion) over the next decade. This includes potential co-development partnerships with foreign manufacturers. 

Safran’s 120 kN Thrust Engine for AMCA: India’s most ambitious Co-development

Perhaps the most strategically significant development is India’s ongoing discussions with France’s Safran to co-develop a 110–120 kN class engine tailored for the AMCA, India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter program. The discussions with the Indian government and DRDO are ongoing. 

This effort includes a complete engine core design—a first for India in such a high-thrust category, and integration of advanced technologies such as:

• Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs): Offering better heat tolerance with lower weight.
• Blisk technology (bladed disks): Reducing weight and improving efficiency in compressors.
• Variable Cycle Capabilities: Potentially enhancing fuel efficiency and performance across altitudes.
• New Afterburner Design: Optimised for stealth (infrared signature suppression) and fast acceleration.

Safran’s willingness to co-develop the engine core, manufacture critical parts in India, and share intellectual property makes this partnership crucial not just for AMCA but for establishing India’s long-term propulsion ecosystem. 

Safran is already integrated with its Ardiden engine (Shakti) in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, Prachand, and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). Ardiden’s 1,400–2,000 hp turboshaft engine has been powering 5–8 ton single and twin-engine helicopters. And there is a co-development of the turboshaft engine for the IMRH with HAL.   

Traditionally, Safran has been supplying critical systems such as aircraft engines for Mirage 2000 and now Rafale’s M888, with gears, inertial navigation, and flight control systems for Tejas Mk1A.

GE F414: Powering Tejas Mk2 and Technology Demonstration

The GE F414 engine, selected for the Tejas Mk2, is a proven 98 kN-class afterburning turbofan used in aircraft like the F/A-18 Super Hornet and Saab Gripen E and now selected for South Korea’s indigenous fighter, known as the KF-X.  GE F414 retains the F404’s external form factor but significantly redesigned the core, fan, turbine, and combustor based on a 6-stage high-pressure compressor and improved turbine capability, raising to a 20% thrust. The F414 will provide India with a stable propulsion system for its medium-weight fighter fleet. 

More importantly, GE’s agreement to co-manufacture the F414 in India under the Make in India initiative marks a significant leap in domestic aerospace manufacturing. This includes production of hot-section parts, critical turbine blades, and combustion modules—all historically protected technologies.

GE has its eyes on the futuristic Adaptive Engine Technology Demonstrator (AETD), which is to power the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program – the sixth generation XA102. XA could power an unprecedented 156–178 KN with a three-stream adaptive cycle engine and revolutionary bypass mechanism, geared for directed energy weapons besides heavy missiles.

GE’s partnership is also expected to open up pathways for India to understand high-temperature material behaviour, single-crystal blade manufacturing, and digital engine control systems, critical for future indigenous engines.

Rolls-Royce: IPs for India for future engines

Rolls-Royce (RR) is India’s oldest and legacy partner, so much so that almost 750 Rolls-Royce engines power aircraft in service with the IAF, Indian Navy, and HAL. Additionally, its MTU engines power Indian Navy warships and over 80 per cent of the Coast Guard fleet.

Now, RR, with its experience in engines like the EJ200 (Eurofighter Typhoon) and future Tempest fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), is heavily engaged with India on exploring high-thrust engines as well.  Interestingly, Rolls-Royce’s offer is much broader, stretching from aero-engine for military jets to marine (MT30 and MT7 gas turbines) to commercial. Too good to be involved in such a broad spectrum of cooperation. RR is more open and transparent on IPs, which promises full control of design and development in India — co-developing and co-creating IPs. However, the problem is with results and outcomes due to lengthy talks over such complex offerings. Lately, the Indian defence secretary was in London, and PM-level talks and military deliberations have been marked under a “wide consultation.” 

The focus is on future platforms beyond AMCA, potentially including sixth-generation aircraft or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Rolls-Royce has been holding discussions with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) on the possibilities.

Rolls-Royce has offered joint IP creation for a 110KN, a transfer of advanced materials technology, and integration of AI-based health monitoring systems—an area where future propulsion systems will derive significant performance and maintainability advantages.

Technological Pillars: What India needs

To sustain and evolve its engine development programs, India must master several core technologies:

Engine Core Design

The heart of a jet engine, the core defines its thermal efficiency and power output. India’s collaboration with Safran may finally lead to indigenous core design capabilities, vital for future adaptability and performance upgrades.

Advanced Materials

High-thrust engines operate at temperatures exceeding 1700°C, far above the melting points of most metals. Materials like Single Crystal Superalloys, Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs), and thermal barrier coatings are essential. Indigenous R&D in this area remains limited and must be prioritised.

Afterburner Technology

Traditional afterburners add thrust but are fuel-inefficient and increase radar/IR signatures. Future designs demand stealth-optimised, variable geometry afterburners with improved thrust vectoring and quicker spool-up characteristics.

Digital Engine Controls

Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems enable precise fuel control, health monitoring, and adaptive performance management. India must design and manufacture FADEC systems domestically to ensure security and autonomy.

High-Pressure Turbomachinery

Compressor and turbine stages require high-precision aerodynamics, coatings to resist oxidation, and adaptive blade geometries. These technologies underpin fuel efficiency and engine lifespan.

Strategic Imperative: From Assembly to Autonomy

India’s long-term goal must not only be engine assembly or license production but full-stack capability—from design to testing and sustainment. Creating a propulsion development ecosystem that includes academic R&D, industry participation, and defence oversight is key. 

Indo-French or Indo-US engine labs can become joint centres of excellence. Private players like Godrej, Tata, and L&T must be brought deeper into the jet engine manufacturing chain. Test facilities for high-altitude and supersonic airflow simulation are urgently needed for validation.

The Thrust for strategic sovereignty

Jet engine development is not just a technological pursuit—it is a strategic instrument. Nations that master it secure their air superiority, defence autonomy, and even economic leverage in the aerospace sector. With AMCA and other next-generation platforms on the horizon, India’s propulsion strategy, if executed with commitment and vision, can transform the nation from a buyer of engines into a global centre for aerospace propulsion innovation.

India’s jet engine journey is entering its most critical phase. With the right alliances, sustained investment, and a focus on deep-tech development, the country has the potential to join the elite club of nations that build the engines of their destiny.

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