110kN Engine Showdown: US, France, Russia & UK in a Fierce Battle – Who Will Power India’s AMCA?
30 January 2025
India's AMCA fighter jet 5.5-generation
The Indian military is fully prepared
to take a significant leap in its defense capabilities. In February 2025, during Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, India’s Ministry of Defense may make a major announcement. India’s ambitious fighter jet projects, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), can announce a foreign partnership for the development of the 110KN Thrust Engine. Which has led to intense competition among the world’s leading jet engine manufacturing countries for this project.
Who will be the partner of India?
According to sources, India will sign an agreement with one of foreign companies with Safran (France), Rolls-Royce (UK), or General Electric (USA). Recently, Russia has also proposed a fifth generation version of the RD-33 engine for India’s AMCA project. The proposal also includes technology transfer (TOT).
Now, the decision is in India’s hands. The bidder providing the best deal for this project will finalize the AMCA engine agreement with India.
India's AMCA Fighter Jet 110kn Engine Characteristics

The engine will increase the aircraft boundary and strike capacity, which can enable the supersonic speed of any afterburner. Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved around ₹ 15,000 crore for the first phase of the AMCA project. According to sources, there is a possibility of separate funding approval for the engine program.
What are the features of AMCA Engine?
The 110KN engine will help the aircraft to maintain a constant high speed (supersonic speed) without excessive fuel consumption. This will improve the aircraft’s strike capacity and limit.
Why is this Partnership Important?
This partnership will not only provide India with advanced engine technology, but will also create research and development opportunities between the two countries. This cooperation will help India develop its technical abilities. Importance of AMCA program The project is not only about the construction of a new fighter aircraft; This is a major step in developing India’s aerospace area. This will bring new technology, create job opportunities, and promote the country’s indigenous strength.
Currently, all the fighter jets used by India are (Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft, Dassault Mirage-2000 or Vajra aircraft, Dassault Rafale aircraft, HAL Tejas, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, Mikoyan MiG-29, SEPECAT Jaguar, HAL Tejas LCA) powered by foreign engines. However, none of them belong to the 5th generation category. India’s top fighter jet, the Rafale, is manufactured by Dassault and imported from France. The Rafale is equipped with a 4.5-generation engine.
China, which is currently posing a strong challenge to the United States who holds the top position among the World’s Great Powers, has also increased conflicts with India along the India-China Border (LAC) over the past 4-5 years. During this time, China has significantly advanced its fighter jets and military capabilities.
Recently, China shared images of its J-XDS 6th-generation fighter jet on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Additionally, China is now selling its domestically developed 5th-generation J-35A fighter jets to Pakistan, which has raised concerns for India regarding regional security and military balance.
Understanding the need for advanced capabilities, the Indian government initiated work on a 5.5-generation fighter jet. Now, the plan is to develop a 5.5-generation jet engine within India in collaboration with a foreign partner. This will be achieved through the full ToT (transfer of technology) for the co-development of a new 110kN high-thrust jet engine to power the AMCA program.

What is the India's AMCA Fighter Jet project, what has been achieved so far, and how will it strengthen the Air Force?
India’s most advanced indigenous fighter jet, AMCA, will prepare its first prototype in the next four years. 5.5-generation AMCA, which weighs 27 tons, will be India’s first stealth fighter, equipped with modern facilities. The aircraft will be designed in such a way that it can take the missiles completely within its hidden arms sections.
India plans to complete its first prototype of upgraded 5.5-generation fighter jet AMCA by 2028. Recently, a discussion was held between the Indian Air Force and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) about the project, during which it had a roadmap. According to sources, if the engine production and other necessary tasks are completed on time, the first prototype will be ready by 2028. It will take about six to seven years to fully develop and prepare for war.

For this project, DRDO will choose a partner, and it is very important to choose the right partner. The AMCA project represents a significant leap for India’s aerospace and defense capabilities. With its advanced silent technology, state -off -airt -avionics and indigenous design, AMCA will not only increase the strength of the Indian Air Force, but will also contribute to the development of the domestic aerospace sector and create many job opportunities for the youth. As development progresses, timely execution of important components such as cooperation and engine production will be necessary with major partners. If all go according to the plan, the AMCA will emerge as a fatal property, strengthen India’s self -communication in defense and achieve its position among the world’s leading aerospace innovators.