SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a pivotal development for India’s aerospace ambitions, a senior official from the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), speaking exclusively to idrw.org, has confirmed that India will seek 100% Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the engine intended to power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
This stringent requirement underscores India’s determination to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies, particularly in aero-engine development—a domain where the country has historically lagged. Meanwhile, DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat has revealed that GTRE is pursuing a 6th-generation jet engine co-development for the AMCA program, with Rolls-Royce emerging as the frontrunner by offering full IPR, a deal sweetener that competitors Safran and General Electric (GE) have struggled to match.
The AMCA, a 5.5-generation stealth fighter being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a cornerstone of India’s defense modernization, with induction targeted for 2035. The aircraft demands a high-thrust engine in the 110-130kN range to enable supercruise, stealth compatibility, and advanced features like thermal management for directed-energy weapons. GTRE, tasked with spearheading the engine development, has made it clear that any foreign partnership must align with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which prioritizes complete control over critical technologies.
The GTRE official emphasized to idrw.org that India will not compromise on its demand for 100% IPR and ToT. Full IPR ensures India owns the engine’s design, production processes, and future upgrades, allowing for modifications and exports without foreign restrictions. Complete ToT, on the other hand, guarantees that Indian engineers gain the “know-how” and “know-why” to manufacture and innovate independently, reducing long-term dependency on foreign partners. This stance reflects lessons from past collaborations, such as the Kaveri engine program, where limited technology sharing with partners like France’s Snecma (now part of Safran) hindered progress.
Three global aerospace giants—Rolls-Royce (UK), Safran (France), and GE (USA)—are vying to co-develop the AMCA engine, but their offers differ significantly in meeting India’s demands. Rolls-Royce has taken a commanding lead by proposing a clean-slate 110kN engine design tailored for the AMCA, with a commitment to transfer 100% IPR to India. This offer, which includes full ToT and the establishment of production facilities in India, aligns seamlessly with India’s self-reliance goals. Rolls-Royce’s experience with 6th-generation engine technology through the UK-led Tempest program further bolsters its case, as the AMCA engine is expected to incorporate advanced features like variable cycle technology for enhanced fuel efficiency and thrust.
Safran, a strong contender with a history of collaboration with India (notably through the Rafale program), has offered 100% ToT for a new 110-130kN engine but with a significant caveat: it seeks to retain 50% IPR rights. This arrangement would ensure long-term royalties for Safran, a condition GTRE officials have firmly rejected. The idrw.org has been told that GTRE has explicitly told Safran that any deal will not proceed unless they offer 100% IPR alongside full ToT. Safran’s proposal, while technically robust—leveraging its expertise with the M88 engine—falls short of India’s strategic requirements, as partial IPR ownership would limit India’s autonomy and saddle it with future financial obligations.
GE, a familiar partner supplying F404 and F414 engines for the Tejas and AMCA Mk-1, has been the least forthcoming. The American company has offered 90% ToT but insists on retaining full IPR, a non-starter for GTRE given India’s insistence on complete control. GE’s reluctance is likely influenced by U.S. export controls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which often restrict technology sharing. This position has effectively sidelined GE in the race, as India prioritizes strategic autonomy over short-term technological gains.
DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat’s confirmation of GTRE’s pursuit of a 6th-generation jet engine for the AMCA program marks a bold step forward. Unlike the AMCA Mk-1, which will initially use GE F414 engines (98kN thrust), the Mk-2 variant, expected by 2040, requires a more advanced powerplant to compete with global peers like China’s J-20 and emerging 6th-generation fighters. A 6th-generation engine, incorporating variable cycle technology, would provide up to 30% better range and 20% faster acceleration compared to 5th-generation engines, enabling capabilities like AI-driven swarm drone integration and laser weapon support.
Rolls-Royce’s offer of full IPR positions it as the only company fully aligned with India’s long-term vision. By owning the engine outright, India could not only power the AMCA but also adapt the technology for future programs, such as the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) or a true 6th-generation jet. The establishment of local production facilities, as proposed by Rolls-Royce, could also transform India into a global player in aero-engine manufacturing, potentially tapping into export markets.
Safran’s 50% IPR retention, while financially beneficial for the French company, undermines India’s goal of self-reliance. Royalties and restrictions on modifications would tie India’s hands, a scenario GTRE is unwilling to accept, especially given past experiences with foreign partners. GE’s offer, while technologically sound, is constrained by geopolitical baggage, making it the least attractive option.
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