SOURCE: AFI
The EJ230, an advanced uprated variant of the proven Eurojet EJ200 engine, was once in the running to power India’s next-generation fighter platforms—the Tejas MkII and AMCA MkI. Designed to offer enhanced performance over the baseline EJ200 that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon, the EJ230 delivers a maximum wet thrust of approximately 102 kN, with a dry thrust rating of around 72 kN.
These performance figures placed the EJ230 firmly within the thrust class required by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its upcoming fighter platforms, making it a serious contender during the tendering process for the Tejas MkII and the first variant of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Despite its impressive thrust-to-weight ratio, modular construction, and growth potential, the EJ230 ultimately lost out to the General Electric F414 engine. The F414, which powers several frontline fighters globally including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab Gripen E, was selected for its lower cost, existing supply chain, and its ability to meet India’s performance and production requirements under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Sources indicate that the GE F414 offered a more economical package and was also backed by stronger industrial partnership terms, giving it an edge over Eurojet’s bid. The Eurojet consortium, led by Rolls-Royce and MTU Aero Engines, had proposed co-development and technology transfer, but GE’s offer underlined cost-efficiency and timely delivery as decisive factors.
The rejection of the EJ230 engine marked a setback for Eurojet’s ambitions to enter the Indian fighter engine market. The EJ230’s selection would have brought a diverse propulsion ecosystem to India, potentially allowing India to benefit from European engine technologies and jointly develop higher-thrust variants for future platforms.
With the GE F414-IN20 engine now officially selected to power the Tejas MkII and AMCA MkI programs, India has secured a mature, combat-proven engine platform. However, the EJ230 remains a powerful, high-performance engine still viable for future global fighter projects and potential upgrade paths for Eurofighter Typhoon users.
Meanwhile, Eurojet’s participation in India’s fighter engine space may not be entirely off the table. Should India explore engine options for future variants of the AMCA or for a sixth-generation platform, the EJ230 or its successors may once again enter the fray—this time with lessons learned and perhaps a more competitive package.
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