India has made impressive progress in defence technology, but one weakness has always stood out: jet engines. Fighters like Tejas and the upcoming AMCA rely on foreign propulsion. For me, this dependency has always felt like a limitation.
Now, with the launch of the India sixth-generation engine GTRE programme and upcoming GTRE sixth-generation engine tie-ups, I believe India is finally ready to overcome this gap.
Why India Cannot Wait for a Sixth-Generation Engine
Modern fighters are only as strong as the engines that power them. Without advanced propulsion, stealth, and avionics cannot deliver their full potential.
For India, a true sixth-generation fighter engine must provide these key features:
- Supercruise capability – sustained supersonic flight without afterburners
- Thrust class of 110–125 kN – enough power for stealth fighters like AMCA MkII
- Fuel efficiency – extended combat range and endurance
- Reliability – dependable performance in high-stress combat situations
India’s current fleet, including the Su-30MKI and Rafale, depends entirely on imported engines. That is why GTRE’s future fighter jet engine development has become a national priority.
Global Collaboration: How GTRE Plans to Overcome Isolation
The challenges India faced with the Kaveri engine made it clear that mastering this technology alone would take decades. GTRE has now adopted a smarter approach through GTRE global engine collaboration.
Two possible paths are being considered:
- Separate negotiations with different OEMs for specific technologies
- GTRE engine program integration into a single joint programme with one global partner
Both aim to ensure faster access to sixth-generation engine technology while reducing development risks.
Explore More: AMCA MkII Engine India: 9 Prototypes, 140kN Stealth Future.
Global Partners: Safran, Rolls-Royce or GE – Who Will Power India?
India is actively pursuing GTRE international tie-ups for engine development with three major aerospace companies:
- Safran (France): Talks with Safran are the most advanced. A proposed Safran-GTRE engine deal could exceed ₹60,000 crore. India is pressing for complete fighter jet engine technology transfer to avoid future dependence.
- Rolls-Royce (UK): Known for the EJ200 engine of the Eurofighter Typhoon, but traditionally cautious about sharing sensitive technology.
- GE Aerospace (USA): Already tied to the Tejas MkII F414 engines, but U.S. export restrictions may limit cooperation on advanced propulsion.
India’s choice of strategy will determine whether it can bring a homegrown sixth-generation aircraft engine into service over the next decade.
Related: India’s Race for Power: 6th-Generation Engine for the AMCA MK-2
AMCA MkII: The First Big Test for GTRE’s New Engine
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will be India’s first stealth fighter. The MkII version requires a new 110–125 kN thrust engine that does not exist in India today.
A GTRE technology partnership for AMCA is therefore critical. If successful, it will not only power AMCA but also lay the foundation for propulsion systems that can support India’s sixth-generation fighters in the 2040s.
Explore More: GTRE-Safran Collaboration: Learning and Leading Together
Kaveri Lessons: How Past Failures Shape India’s Future Engines
The Kaveri engine fell short on thrust and reliability, but it offered valuable lessons. This time, GTRE is following a balanced strategy:
- Focus on indigenous strengths in design and systems integration
- Acquire advanced metallurgy and thermal technologies through global partnerships
- Insist on long-term technology transfer that builds Indian capability
This balanced approach increases the likelihood of real success.
Also Read: Kaveri Derivative Engine with Afterburner: Real Facts 2025
Related: Kaveri Derivative Engine D-1: Godrej Delivers First Serial Jet Engine
Make in India Defence Engines: The Bigger Strategic Goal
The Make in India defence engines drive is not only about economics but also about strategic independence. Indigenous engine production will:
- Reduce reliance on foreign suppliers during conflict
- Save billions in lifetime costs
- Generate highly skilled aerospace jobs
- Strengthen India’s defence export potential
The India sixth-generation engine GTRE programme supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by ensuring that international partnerships add to India’s self-reliance rather than dilute it.
4 Key Benefits of GTRE’s Global Engine Partnerships
Working with established partners offers several advantages:
- Faster development timelines compared to working alone
- Shared financial and technical risks
- Access to cutting-edge technologies such as adaptive cycle designs and digital twin simulations
- Opportunities for co-branded global exports
For these reasons, GTRE global engine collaboration is seen as a catalyst rather than a compromise.
India vs Global: How GTRE Compares in Sixth-Gen Engine Race
| Country / Program | Focus | Status | Advantage | Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India (GTRE) | 110–125 kN for AMCA | Talks with Safran, Rolls-Royce, GE | Push for ToT, Make in India | Past failures, ToT hurdles |
| USA (NGAP) | Adaptive cycle for NGAD | Testing | High thrust, efficiency | No tech sharing |
| France (Safran) | Post-M88 fighter engine | Proposal with India | Proven design, co-dev option | ToT negotiations |
| UK (Tempest/GCAP) | Adaptive engine | In design | EJ200 experience | Limited openness |
| China (WS-15/WS-X6) | High-thrust for J-20/6th-gen | Test flights | Rapid progress | Reliability issues |
My Perspective: What Lies Ahead for India’s Sixth-Gen Engine
India now faces a decisive choice. Multiple negotiations may provide access to diverse technologies, but could delay integration. A single joint programme may deliver faster results but requires unprecedented trust and openness from the partner.
The India sixth-generation engine GTRE effort proves that India is determined to overcome its long-standing reliance on imported propulsion systems.
Conclusion: GTRE’s Sixth-Gen Engine Marks India’s Turning Point
The story of GTRE’s sixth-generation engine tie-ups is more than a technological update. It represents India’s determination to overcome its most persistent weakness in fighter aviation.
If GTRE secures a strong partnership, powers AMCA, and builds lasting indigenous expertise, India will not only catch up with global leaders but also shape the future of aerospace propulsion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is India’s sixth-generation engine plan?
A 110–125 kN class engine by GTRE for AMCA MkII and future fighters.
Q2. Who is partnering with GTRE for the engine?
Safran, Rolls-Royce, and GE are in talks, with Safran currently leading.
Q3. Why did the Kaveri engine not succeed?
It lacked thrust and reliability due to challenges in metallurgy and thermal technology.
Q4. How does India compare to global sixth-gen engine projects?
Other nations are testing adaptive cycle engines, while India focuses on co-development with technology transfer.
Q5. How does this align with Make in India?
It strengthens self-reliance by creating jobs, saving foreign exchange, and building local expertise.