India’s quest for a new combat engine
India is speeding up efforts to acquire a high-performance powerplant for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the nation’s fifth-generation stealth fighter programme.
Though the GE F414 has been sanctioned officially for the Light Combat Aircraft Mk.2 single-engine platform, recent news indicates that New Delhi is now considering options for the AMCA, as well as other twin-engine projects like the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).
The attention is now focused on determining whether Japan’s XF9-1 can surpass the GE F414 and Safran M88 for the needs of the Indian Air Force.
The Economic Times has, on 8 August, confirmed that India is negotiating with UK, French, and Japanese engine makers. Initial talks aim to address critical capability gaps, especially in light of growing regional security challenges.
Rolls-Royce UK Proposal
During a senior Indian defence delegation’s trip to London in April, Rolls-Royce presented a joint development proposal for the engine. The British offer includes full intellectual property rights transfer and co-design with local manufacturing. The proposed turbofan is targeting 75 kN dry thrust and 110 kN with afterburner, scalable to 130 kN for potential AMCA variants.
To make the offer sweeter, Rolls-Royce intends to double the sourcing from the Indian supply chain by 2030, which will enhance domestic employment and innovation. Yet, the design remains in the concept phase, bringing probable development risk.
Safran Proven M88 Upgrade
France’s Safran has the most longstanding proposal on the table. Sanctioned by the French government in 2023, it offers a co-development strategy with India to upgrade the Rafale’s M88 engine. The new version will be targeting 75–80 kN dry thrust and 110–120 kN with afterburner, which will give the AMCA the supercruise capability.
Safran excels in developing proven technology, potentially aligning with the development timeline of the AMCA. Prototypes may be available by 2026–27, with first flights by 2028. The package also provides a gas turbine centre of excellence in India with state-of-the-art designs and metallurgy facilities.
Japan’s XF9-1
A dark horse with giant potential, Japan’s IHI XF9-1 was built for the Mitsubishi F-X stealth fighter. The programme is now part of the UK-Japan-Italy Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Japan has no previous aeroengine manufacturing history, yet the XF9-1’s performance is remarkable. It delivers 107 kN dry thrust and 147 kN with afterburning.
The engine can scale to 196 kN for future sixth-generation fighters. It uses advanced materials that can endure turbine inlet temperatures of 1,800°C. The design reduces radar visibility, improving stealth in combat.
Thrust-vectoring nozzles enhance manoeuvrability, allowing sharper turns and agile flights. Prototype testing started in 2018 after earlier trials of the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin. These trials ran from 2016 to 2018, laying the groundwork for the XF9-1’s development.
Risks and Timelines
Although the GE F414 is still the baseline option for the initial variants of the AMCA, India’s search for alternatives is an indication of a long-term vision for indigenous capability. Rolls-Royce and Safran both provide full technology transfer, which is a consideration for strategic autonomy. Safran’s M88 upgrade is a lower-risk, quicker-delivery alternative.
The XF9-1, though theoretically advanced, faces a crucial challenge — its GCAP alignment could see delayed delivery due to differing priorities among partner nations. The risk of delivery delays could conflict with India’s plans to have the AMCA operational before the 2030s.
Conclusion
Strategic Implication The choice between the GE F414, the Safran M88 upgrade, the Rolls-Royce concept, and Japan’s XF9-1 will determine the AMCA’s combat value and India’s aeroengine independence. Safran offers proven technology with fast delivery; Rolls-Royce provides full IPR but has no prototype; and the XF9-1 provides unmatched thrust with sixth-generation capability—if the timeline materialises.
For India, the choice is more than just generating power. It entails the acquisition of technology transfers, the scaling of production, and the synchronisation of development cycles. Well managed, the choice has the potential to set the platform for India’s aerospace plans for the next three decades.
