SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, aimed at delivering the nation’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, is approaching a pivotal milestone: the selection of an engine partner. The Indian government, through the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), is engaged in high-stakes negotiations with three global aerospace giants—General Electric (GE) from the United States, Rolls-Royce from the United Kingdom, and Safran from France—to co-develop a cutting-edge engine for the AMCA. With a possible decision slated by the end of 2025, this choice will shape the fighter’s performance, India’s defense self-reliance, and its strategic alignments for decades to come.
DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat, speaking at Aero India 2025, confirmed the ongoing talks, stating, “We are in discussions with GE, Rolls-Royce, and Safran for the joint development and manufacturing of the AMCA engine. A decision is likely by the end of this year.” This timeline, echoed reports from idrw.org, reflects India’s urgency to finalize a partner and kickstart development, targeting engine trials by 2033 and production by 2035.
Each contender brings unique strengths and offers to the table, blending technological prowess with strategic sweeteners.
The U.S. firm is a familiar partner, supplying F404 engines for Tejas Mk-1 and F414s for Mk-2 and AMCA Mk-1. GE has offered to co-develop a 110-130 kN engine, leveraging its F414 base, but its proposal withholds full technology transfer (ToT). This reluctance, tied to U.S. export controls and India’s Russia ties, limits India’s autonomy but ensures rapid integration given existing supply chains.
The British giant, with its EJ200 ( powering the Eurofighter Typhoon) and Tempest 6th-gen experience, pitches a co-development model with joint intellectual property rights (IPR). Rolls-Royce promises full ToT and customization for AMCA, claiming a decade-long timeline from deal to delivery. Its emphasis on hybrid propulsion and thermal management aligns with future-proofing India’s fleet, though IPR-sharing complexities could slow negotiations.
France’s Safran, maker of the M88 (Rafale), has emerged as a frontrunner with an aggressive offer: 100% ToT, including IPR, for a new 110-130 kN engine. Building on its Rafale offset commitments and a proposed Kaveri revival, Safran pledges full manufacturing in India with no export curbs, training local firms in metallurgy and design. This aligns seamlessly with Atmanirbhar Bharat, though higher costs and longer timelines pose trade-offs.
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