SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, idrw.org has confirmed that Japan has formally offered its advanced IHI XF9-1 engine for co-development and local production to power the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) next-generation 5.5-generation stealth fighter. This marks Japan as the fourth country to join the race to collaborate with India on the AMCA’s engine development, intensifying the competition to meet the IAF’s stringent requirements.
The IHI XF9-1, a low-bypass afterburning turbofan engine, was developed by IHI Corporation in partnership with Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA). The prototype, delivered in 2018, generates over 11 tons (107 kN) of dry thrust and exceeds 15 tons (147 kN) with afterburner. Designed with adaptability in mind, the XF9-1 has a potential maximum thrust of 20 tons (196 kN), positioning it as a candidate for next-generation fighter aircraft, including 6th-generation platforms.
India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), tasked with overseeing the AMCA’s engine development, has been seeking an engine capable of delivering 120 kN of thrust, with a dry thrust of 73-75 kN to enable supercruise capability—sustained supersonic flight without engaging afterburners. While the IHI XF9-1’s dry thrust of nearly 110 kN is significantly higher than GTRE’s target, idrw.org reports that modifications to the engine’s core could detune it to meet the desired dry thrust range. This adaptability makes the XF9-1 a compelling option, as it could be optimized for the AMCA’s 5.5-generation requirements while remaining scalable for future 6th-generation jets, which demand thrust exceeding 140 kN—surpassing the AL-31F engine used in the IAF’s Su-30MKI.
Japan’s offer includes provisions for local production in India, aligning with the country’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative. The XF9-1’s advanced design and high thrust output position it as a future-ready solution, capable of supporting the AMCA’s stealth, supercruise, and multi-role capabilities. Additionally, its potential to power 6th-generation fighters makes it a strategic choice for India’s long-term air combat ambitions.
The AMCA program, aimed at delivering a stealthy, multi-role fighter to replace aging platforms in the IAF’s inventory, has attracted interest from multiple global players. With Japan now in the fray alongside other contenders, India has a broader range of options to evaluate. The IHI XF9-1’s proven performance, coupled with the prospect of technology transfer and local manufacturing, could strengthen Indo-Japanese defense ties and significantly boost the AMCA’s development timeline.
As discussions progress, the IAF and GTRE will likely assess the XF9-1’s technical compatibility, cost, and strategic benefits against competing offers. Japan’s entry into the AMCA engine race underscores the program’s growing global significance and India’s rising stature in the aerospace domain.
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