SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Safran India officials have confirmed to idrw.org that the French aerospace giant has presented two proposals to India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the development of advanced engines to power the Tejas MkII and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs. These proposals outline the potential development of either a single engine tailored for both programs or two distinct engines, offering flexibility and strategic alignment with India’s indigenous fighter jet ambitions.
The first proposal involves the development of an advanced variant of the M88 engine, designated as the M88-4, to power the Tejas MkII, replacing the current General Electric F414 engines. The M88-4 is projected to deliver a thrust output in the 95-105kN class, surpassing the F414’s capabilities. This engine will be an evolution of the M88 engines currently powering the Dassault Rafale, featuring an enhanced afterburner and modifications to the core for improved performance.
Safran has assured that the M88-4 will be designed as a plug-and-play solution, requiring no modifications to the Tejas MkII’s airframe, rear, or undercarriage. This ensures seamless integration, minimizing development costs and timelines. Additionally, Safran has offered a comprehensive Transfer of Technology (ToT) package for the M88-4. This ToT could enable India to leverage the engine not only for the Tejas MkII but also for a potential “Made in India” Rafale program in the future, aligning with India’s self-reliance goals in defense manufacturing.
The second proposal focuses on developing a high-thrust 120kN engine specifically for the AMCA, India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. This engine would be optimized for the AMCA’s twin-engine configuration, delivering the performance required for its advanced capabilities. Safran has further proposed that a derivative of this engine could be adapted for the Tejas MkII, optimized for single-engine operations with a minor thrust reduction of 15-20%. This approach would streamline engine development efforts, reduce costs, and ensure commonality across India’s fighter jet programs.
suppliers. The ToT offered in the M88-4 proposal could significantly enhance India’s domestic engine manufacturing capabilities, potentially supporting multiple aircraft programs, including a localized Rafale production line. The second proposal’s focus on a high-thrust engine for the AMCA, with a variant for the Tejas MkII, offers a scalable and cost-effective solution, fostering synergy between India’s 4.5-generation and fifth-generation fighter programs.
Safran’s plug-and-play design for the M88-4 ensures that the Tejas MkII program remains on track without requiring extensive airframe redesign, while the 120kN engine proposal positions India to achieve cutting-edge propulsion technology for its next-generation AMCA. These offers mark a significant step in strengthening Indo-French defense collaboration, building on the existing partnership exemplified by the Rafale program.
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