SOURCE: AFI
The global race to develop advanced fighter jets and their corresponding propulsion systems has intensified, with Turkey and South Korea taking significant strides in their respective programs. Turkey has reportedly committed $3-5 billion to the development of the TF-35000 engine for its ambitious Kaan fighter jet, while South Korea is investing $2.3 billion in an indigenous engine for its KF-21 Boramae program.
Both nations are positioning themselves as formidable players in the aerospace industry, particularly in the realm of fifth-generation fighter jets. Meanwhile, India, despite its own aspirations for a homegrown fifth-generation jet engine, appears to lag behind as it grapples with indecision over partnerships and funding for its program.
Turkey’s decision to allocate $3-5 billion for the development of the TF-35000 engine underscores its determination to achieve self-reliance in defense technologies. The engine is being designed to power the TAI Kaan, Turkey’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, which is being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The Kaan program aims to replace Turkey’s aging fleet of F-16s and position the country as a key player in the global aerospace market.
The TF-35000 engine is expected to deliver thrust in the range of 35,000 pounds, placing it in the same category as engines powering other fifth-generation jets like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Turkey’s investment reflects a strategic effort to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, particularly after facing challenges with access to U.S.-made engines due to geopolitical tensions. The country has already demonstrated a working prototype of the Kaan, which made its maiden flight earlier this year, powered temporarily by General Electric F110 engines. However, Turkey aims to replace these with the domestically developed TF-35000 by the late 2020s or early 2030s.
South Korea is also making significant strides with its KF-21 Boramae program, a 4.5-generation fighter jet with plans for future upgrades to fifth-generation capabilities. The South Korean government has earmarked $2.3 billion for the development of an indigenous engine to replace the General Electric F414 engines currently powering the KF-21 prototypes. This investment is part of South Korea’s broader strategy to achieve technological independence in its defense sector and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
The KF-21 program has already achieved notable success, with its first prototype taking flight in 2022. South Korea’s aerospace industry, led by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and supported by Hanwha Aerospace, is working on an engine that could deliver thrust comparable to or exceeding the F414’s 22,000 pounds. The indigenous engine is expected to enhance the KF-21’s performance, paving the way for export opportunities and future iterations of the jet with stealth and supercruise capabilities.
South Korea’s investment in engine development mirrors its broader commitment to advancing its defense industry, as seen in its growing exports of military hardware, such as the K2 Black Panther tank and FA-50 light attack aircraft. The country’s focused approach and collaboration with domestic firms have allowed it to make rapid progress in its aerospace ambitions.
India, which has long aspired to develop its own fifth-generation fighter jet through the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, is likely to face costs in a similar range as Turkey and South Korea—between $2.5 billion and $5 billion—for the development of a new engine. However, unlike its counterparts, India has yet to finalize a clear roadmap for its engine program.
The AMCA, being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is intended to be a stealth fighter with advanced sensors and weapon systems. However, the lack of a suitable indigenous engine has been a major hurdle. Currently, India plans to use General Electric F414 engines for the initial prototypes of the AMCA, similar to the approach taken by Turkey and South Korea with their respective jets. Yet, the long-term goal of developing a domestic engine remains elusive.
India’s past efforts to develop jet engines, such as the Kaveri engine program, have been marred by technical challenges, delays, and cost overruns. The Kaveri, originally intended to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), failed to meet performance requirements, forcing India to rely on imported engines. The country has since expressed interest in co-developing a new engine for the AMCA, but it has yet to decide on a partner. Potential collaborators include France’s Safran, the United States, and the United Kingdom’s Rolls-Royce, all of whom have experience in advanced engine technologies.
Turkey and South Korea’s proactive investments in indigenous engine development highlight their strategic foresight and commitment to self-reliance in defense technologies. Both nations have successfully demonstrated working prototypes of their fighter jets—the Kaan and KF-21, respectively—and are now focusing on the critical next step of propulsion systems. These developments place them ahead of India in the race to field fully indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets.
Turkey’s ability to push forward despite geopolitical challenges, such as its exclusion from the F-35 program, demonstrates its resilience and determination. South Korea, meanwhile, benefits from a well-coordinated defense ecosystem and a history of successful aerospace projects. Both countries are not only aiming to meet their domestic needs but also positioning themselves as potential exporters of advanced military hardware.
India’s indecision over partnerships for engine development risks further delays in its AMCA program. While Turkey and South Korea have moved swiftly to secure funding and technical expertise, India remains caught in a web of bureaucratic hurdles and competing priorities. The country’s reliance on foreign engines for its current fleet, including the Tejas and Su-30 MKI, underscores the urgency of developing a domestic solution.
To catch up, India must prioritize its engine development program and make a definitive decision on collaboration. Partnering with a foreign firm could provide access to critical technologies and expertise, accelerating the process. At the same time, India should increase funding for indigenous research and development to build long-term capabilities in propulsion systems.
Additionally, India could learn from the focused approaches of Turkey and South Korea, both of which have leveraged domestic industry and government support to drive their programs forward. Establishing a clear timeline, securing adequate funding, and fostering collaboration between DRDO, HAL, and private sector players will be key to ensuring the success of India’s engine development efforts.
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