AMCA Engine Development: Powering India’s 5th Gen Fighter
AMCA’s power needs
The AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine, stealth multirole fighter capable of supercruise, high agility, and long-range strike missions. To meet these goals, the AMCA requires engines that:
- Deliver 90–110 kN of thrust each for supercruise and sustained supersonic flight.
- Remain compact and stealth-friendly to minimise radar and infrared signatures.
- Function reliably in India’s hot, high-altitude environments.
- Integrate with advanced avionics, next-gen sensors and, in future variants, directed-energy systems.
These demanding specifications explain why the engine is the program’s most technically complex and strategically important element.
The GE–HAL collaboration: a pragmatic start
To accelerate initial deployment, India secured a landmark agreement to co-produce GE F414 engines in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This deal provides India with a proven powerplant for the first AMCA variant and includes an unprecedented level of technology transfer.
Key outcomes:
- F414 for AMCA Mk1: The F414 provides roughly 98 kN of thrust—sufficient for early AMCA operational needs and faster induction.
- Technology transfer: Manufacturing processes, material know-how and assembly techniques are being transferred to Indian industry.
- Local production: HAL-led production in India will increase supply security and build local manufacturing capability.
This phased approach allows India to field AMCA quickly while building domestic expertise for a fully indigenous engine later.
Indigenous engine efforts — Kaveri and the next step
India’s first attempt to build a fighter engine—the Kaveri program by GTRE (DRDO)—did not reach operational deployment but delivered vital lessons in turbine design, metallurgy and test infrastructure.
Today, lessons from Kaveri are being redirected:
- A revived Kaveri is being adapted for unmanned platforms and sub-systems.
- Plans are underway for a 110 kN-class indigenous engine for AMCA Mk2, with reports of talks with global OEMs to co-develop technology while keeping primary intellectual property with India.
Combining Kaveri’s legacy experience with fresh international partnerships gives India a credible route to a home-grown fifth-generation engine over the 2030s–2040s timeline.
Technical challenges — why engines are hard
Jet engines are among the most complex machines humans build. Few countries have mastered full-spectrum jet engine development. India’s main technical hurdles include:
- Metallurgy: Manufacturing single-crystal turbine blades and heat-resistant alloys.
- Advanced materials: Ceramic matrix composites and coatings needed for hot-section durability and stealth.
- Thermal management: High-efficiency cooling while minimising external IR signature.
- Airframe integration: Packaging engines in a stealth profile without compromising low observability.
- Test infrastructure: Building and maintaining world-class engine test cells and flight-test ranges.
Addressing these needs requires long-term investment, sustained R&D, and close industry–defence collaboration.
Roadmap: Mk1 now, Mk2 for independence
The AMCA program splits propulsion into two pragmatic phases:
AMCA Mk1 (early deployments): Powered by the GE F414 co-produced in India to accelerate induction and operational experience.
AMCA Mk2 (long-term): Intended to fly with a new 110 kN-class indigenous engine developed with international colla
