SOURCE: AFI
Developing a 5th-generation jet engine is a monumental task that requires substantial investments in R&D, specialized infrastructure, and skilled engineering. For India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, this endeavor will be crucial, as the project aims to create an indigenous, next-generation fighter jet with advanced stealth and combat capabilities.
To understand the potential funding requirements for India’s AMCA engine, it is helpful to compare with similar global engine development programs in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and China, all of which have faced significant investment demands in their 5th-generation jet engine initiatives.
The cost of developing a 5th-generation jet engine can vary depending on the scope, technical specifications, and degree of innovation required. Here’s a breakdown of recent programs that can serve as benchmarks for estimating the AMCA engine’s development costs.
United States: F135 and XA100 Programs
The U.S. is the world leader in 5th-generation fighter technology, investing heavily in jet engine programs to maintain its edge. The F135 engine—developed by Pratt & Whitney for the F-35 Lightning II—has cost an estimated $10 billion USD from initial R&D to production setup.
The XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine, being developed by GE as a successor to the F135, is expected to cost an additional $4 billion in R&D. This program is backed by the U.S. Air Force’s Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) and targets high-thrust and fuel-efficient capabilities for future fighters.
United Kingdom: Tempest Program (Rolls-Royce)
The UK’s Tempest program, aimed at developing a 6th-generation fighter jet, involves the creation of an advanced power and propulsion system by Rolls-Royce. The Tempest engine development is projected to cost approximately £2 billion (roughly $2.5 billion USD). However, given the complex requirements, experts predict the total could rise as high as $4 billion by completion.
This funding includes cutting-edge features like adaptive cycle technology, increased thrust-to-weight ratio, and integration of advanced materials, especially for managing thermal and stealth requirements.
France-Germany-Spain: Future Combat Air System (FCAS)
The joint European FCAS engine program, led by France’s Safran and Germany’s MTU Aero Engines, has set an initial development budget of around €3 billion (approximately $3.5 billion USD).
Like the Tempest, FCAS will integrate adaptive cycles, enhanced cooling systems, and thrust vectoring. European partners anticipate further funding injections to meet advanced stealth and high-performance metrics similar to those of the U.S. F135.
China: WS-15 Engine
China has invested heavily in its WS-15 engine for the J-20 stealth fighter, estimated at over $5 billion in total R&D costs due to significant challenges in metallurgy, cooling, and reliability.
Despite considerable financial and engineering investments, China continues to face issues in achieving the performance levels seen in Western engines, underscoring the complexities and costs involved in 5th-generation engine development.
India’s AMCA program aims to produce a fighter that can stand alongside contemporary 5th-generation platforms like the F-35. However, given India’s industrial base and the resources required, an estimated budget of $3 billion to $4 billion USD would likely be needed to develop a 5th-generation engine for the AMCA program.