US-Made GE F414 May Power Initial Batch Of Indigenous Fifth-Gen AMCA Fighters As India Looks For Engine Partner

India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to develop an indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet is moving forward, with reports indicating that French defence major Safran may be selected as the development partner for the aircraft's engine.

A defence review has backed a proposal to partner with France on co-developing a 120kN fighter jet engine for India’s next-generation aircraft, tipping the balance in a long-running contest with the UK, The Economic Times has reported.

The recommendation comes after detailed technical evaluations and consultations with stakeholders over the Rs 61,000 crore programme.

According to the report, officials said France’s Safran emerged as the preferred choice due to its offer of full technology transfer and a development roadmap aligned with the timeline for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The indigenous engine project is now set to move forward, potentially reducing India’s dependence on foreign propulsion systems over the next decade.

However, since the engine development is expected to take over a decade, initial AMCA units may still use US-made GE 414 engines.

The GE F414-INS6 engine, already chosen for the Tejas Mk II, will ensure the necessary performance for the first batch of India's indigenous fifth-gen fighter aircraft.

The GE F414-INS6 is an advanced turbofan engine developed by General Electric.

The F414-INS6 is a member of the F414 family, which is known for its high thrust output and proven performance across various military platforms, including Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

It offers a maximum thrust of 98 kN (22,000 pounds), which will enable the initial batch of AMCAs to achieve the necessary performance in challenging operational environments.

Key features of the F414-INS6 include:

• Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: The engine has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 9:1, providing the necessary power for high-speed and maneuverable operations.

• Durability: Advanced materials and cooling technologies help extend the life of the engine, making it suitable for long-duration and demanding missions.

• Control Systems: The engine features Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) for efficient engine management, enhancing fuel efficiency and operational reliability.

The F414-INS6 will play a critical role in the early stages of the AMCA program, supporting the development and testing of the aircraft.

As the AMCA programme progresses, the focus will eventually shift to developing an indigenous engine to further reduce India’s reliance on foreign suppliers.

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