In the heart of India’s defense research, a groundbreaking development is taking shape. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is gearing up to build a powerful new jet engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This ambitious project, aimed at strengthening India’s air combat capabilities, requires a massive investment—$4.5 billion. If successful, it will mark a major milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense technology.
The Visionary Behind the Initiative
Dr. S.V. Ramana Murty, the Director of GTRE, recently shed light on the project’s financial and technical dimensions. In a statement, he emphasized that developing an engine in the 110-120 kilonewton (kN) thrust class is essential for the AMCA’s performance, necessitating the substantial funding.
He further explained, For India to achieve self-reliance in fighter jet technology, we must develop an indigenous high-thrust engine that meets the demands of modern air combat. The AMCA requires an engine with supercruise capability, and our goal is to build an engine that rivals global benchmarks.
A New Chapter in India’s Fighter Jet Program
For decades, India has relied on foreign-made engines for its fighter jets. The AMCA, a fifth-generation stealth aircraft designed to match global standards, requires an advanced propulsion system that can deliver 110-130 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust. This level of power will allow it to achieve supercruise, a feature where the aircraft can fly at supersonic speeds without using additional fuel-burning afterburners. Supercruise improves fuel efficiency, extends range, and enhances combat effectiveness—making it a crucial capability for future air warfare.
Developing such an engine is no small feat. Jet engines are among the most complex machines in the world, requiring cutting-edge materials, precision engineering, and years of testing. But GTRE is determined to succeed, learning from past experiences and leveraging international collaborations to ensure the AMCA engine meets global standards.
Lessons from the Kaveri Engine Project
India’s first attempt at building a fighter jet engine, the Kaveri engine project, began in the late 1980s. Engineers envisioned a powerful indigenous engine that could free India from dependence on foreign manufacturers. However, the project ran into multiple roadblocks—technical challenges, funding constraints, and a lack of advanced materials. Despite decades of research and development, the Kaveri engine failed to meet the necessary thrust requirements and was ultimately sidelined.
The setbacks of the Kaveri program, however, were not in vain. GTRE gained valuable experience in jet engine technology, identifying the critical areas that needed improvement. Now, with advancements in metallurgy, aerodynamics, and computational modeling, India is better equipped to take on this challenge.
Partnering with Global Experts
To avoid the pitfalls of the past, India is looking beyond its borders for expertise. A key player in this effort is Safran, a French aerospace company known for its M88 engine, which powers the Dassault Rafale fighter jet. Safran has expressed interest in partnering with GTRE to develop a new 110-125 kN thrust engine tailored for AMCA.
Speaking about the potential collaboration, a Safran representative stated, “We are in discussions with India to co-develop an advanced fighter jet engine that aligns with the country’s indigenous defense goals. Our experience with the Rafale’s M88 engine gives us a strong foundation to work together.”
The partnership could bring state-of-the-art technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and faster development timelines. At the same time, India is keen on maintaining intellectual property rights and ensuring that the core technology remains under Indian control. The goal is to co-develop the engine, allowing Indian engineers to gain hands-on expertise while benefiting from Safran’s experience.
How the $4.5 Billion Funding Will Be Used
Developing a high-thrust fighter jet engine requires massive investment. The $4.5 billion budget will be allocated across multiple key areas:
1. Research and Development (R&D)
The bulk of the funding will go into R&D efforts—designing, prototyping, and testing the engine. This includes cutting-edge computational simulations, material testing, and experimental engine trials.
2. Talent Acquisition and Training
Jet engine development requires specialized skills. GTRE plans to recruit some of India’s best engineers, scientists, and metallurgists while also training young talent in advanced propulsion technology.
3. Infrastructure and Testing Facilities
New testing centers and production units will be set up to handle the complexity of engine manufacturing. One key facility, the 130kN Twin Engine Test Bed Facility in Bengaluru, is nearing completion and will play a crucial role in testing the new engine under real-world conditions.
Key Features of the New Engine
GTRE is aiming for several breakthrough capabilities in the new AMCA engine:
- Supercruise Capability – The engine will enable AMCA to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners, improving combat efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
- High Thrust Levels – The target is a dry thrust of 75 kN and a maximum thrust of 110-130 kN, ensuring superior performance in dogfights and long-range missions.
- Adaptability to Indian Conditions – Designed to perform in extreme heat, high altitudes, and challenging weather conditions, the engine will be suited for India’s diverse operational needs.
Beyond AMCA: Expanding the Use of Indigenous Engines
While the primary objective is to power AMCA, this high-thrust engine could have broader applications in India’s defense programs:
- Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) – As India moves toward stealth drones and autonomous fighter jets, a powerful indigenous engine could be adapted for next-generation unmanned aircraft.
- Naval Aviation – Future Indian aircraft carriers could deploy fighter jets powered by this engine, enhancing naval airpower.
- Export Opportunities – If successfully developed, this engine could be offered to friendly nations, boosting India’s defense exports.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
Despite the promising developments, GTRE faces several hurdles in completing this project:
- Technological Complexity – Jet engines require advanced alloys, heat-resistant coatings, and precise engineering, all of which take years to perfect.
- Cost and Timeline Constraints – Engine development is expensive and time-consuming. Meeting deadlines and staying within budget will be crucial.
- Competing with Global Giants – India will have to match the standards set by industry leaders like General Electric, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney, who have decades of experience in fighter jet engine production.
GTRE’s mission to develop a high-thrust, indigenous jet engine represents one of India’s most ambitious defense projects. With $4.5 billion in funding, global partnerships, and lessons from past failures, this effort could reshape the future of India’s air combat capabilities. The success of this project will not only power AMCA but also mark India’s emergence as a major player in the global aerospace industry.
