According to the report, the agreement, expected to be sealed by July 2025, involves negotiations with General Electric (GE), Safran, and Rolls-Royce, with Rolls-Royce emerging as the frontrunner due to its experience with 6th-gen engine technology.
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Notably, United Kingdom, Italy & Japan are collaborating on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), and Rolls-Royce is leading the engine development.
A 6th-generation jet engine represents a significant leap from its predecessors, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, adaptability, and combat effectiveness. Unlike traditional engines, 6th-gen engines can switch between high-thrust and fuel-efficient modes optimizing performance for different mission profiles.
Currently, no country has an operational 6th-generation jet engine, but several nations are actively developing them as part of their next-generation fighter programs.
These engines enable sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, reducing fuel consumption and increasing stealth. The 6th gen Jet-Engine also boast of embedded Al systems that monitor engine health in real time, predicting failures before they occur, minimizing downtime. Advanced cooling techniques allow for higher operational temperatures, improving thrust and efficiency.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk-1 is India's 5th-generation stealth fighter, designed to enhance the Indian Air Force's air combat capabilities.
Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO, the AMCA Mk-1 is expected to enter prototype testing by 2030 and mass production by 2033-34
The AMCA Mk-1 will initially use GE F414 engines (98 kN thrust), but the Mk-2 variant, expected by 2040, requires a more powerful 110-130 kN engine to enable supercruise, stealth compatibility, and advanced AI-driven systems.
The 6th-gen engine will incorporate variable cycle technology for superior fuel efficiency and thermal management, laying the foundation for future Indian fighter programs.
This initiative is crucial for India's defense modernization, ensuring self-reliance in advanced propulsion technology and countering regional threats like China’s J-20s. The Indian Air Force (IAF) aims to reach 42-squadron strength by 2047, making timely development of this engine a strategic priority.
Currently, no country has an operational 6th-generation jet engine, but several nations are actively developing them as part of their next-generation fighter programs.
United States is working on Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and F/A-XX programs, expected to feature adaptive cycle engines.
While, United Kingdom, Italy & Japan Collaborating on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), with Rolls-Royce leading engine development.
Rolls-Royce has emerged as a frontrunner in India's $4.5 billion 6th-gen engine deal, competing with GE and Safran 2.
It has offered full technology transfer and local production, ensuring India gains complete Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over the engine.
The proposed 110-130 kN thrust engine will be custom-built for India's AMCA Mk-2, incorporating stealth optimization, supercruise capability, and Al-driven maintenance.
The company’s experience with advanced propulsion makes it a strong contender for India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology.
General Electric (GE) is offering an adaptive cycle engine, similar to its XA100 prototype, which enables fuel efficiency, high thrust, and thermal management.
The company has previous experience with India, supplying GE F414 engines for the Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA Mk-1.
GE's proposal includes technology transfer, but India may not receive full Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
Safran is focusing on stealth optimization and supercruise capability, leveraging its expertise from Rafale's M88 engine. The company has proposed 100% technology transfer, allowing India to manufacture and modify the engine independently.
Safran's engine design is expected to incorporate variable cycle technology, enhancing adaptability across different flight conditions.
GE and Safran remain strong contenders, with India weighing self-reliance vs. proven technology.
A 6th-generation jet engine represents a significant leap from its predecessors, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, adaptability, and combat effectiveness. Unlike traditional engines, 6th-gen engines can switch between high-thrust and fuel-efficient modes optimizing performance for different mission profiles.
Currently, no country has an operational 6th-generation jet engine, but several nations are actively developing them as part of their next-generation fighter programs.
These engines enable sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, reducing fuel consumption and increasing stealth. The 6th gen Jet-Engine also boast of embedded Al systems that monitor engine health in real time, predicting failures before they occur, minimizing downtime. Advanced cooling techniques allow for higher operational temperatures, improving thrust and efficiency.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk-1 is India's 5th-generation stealth fighter, designed to enhance the Indian Air Force's air combat capabilities.
Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO, the AMCA Mk-1 is expected to enter prototype testing by 2030 and mass production by 2033-34
The AMCA Mk-1 will initially use GE F414 engines (98 kN thrust), but the Mk-2 variant, expected by 2040, requires a more powerful 110-130 kN engine to enable supercruise, stealth compatibility, and advanced AI-driven systems.
The 6th-gen engine will incorporate variable cycle technology for superior fuel efficiency and thermal management, laying the foundation for future Indian fighter programs.
This initiative is crucial for India's defense modernization, ensuring self-reliance in advanced propulsion technology and countering regional threats like China’s J-20s. The Indian Air Force (IAF) aims to reach 42-squadron strength by 2047, making timely development of this engine a strategic priority.
Currently, no country has an operational 6th-generation jet engine, but several nations are actively developing them as part of their next-generation fighter programs.
United States is working on Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and F/A-XX programs, expected to feature adaptive cycle engines.
While, United Kingdom, Italy & Japan Collaborating on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), with Rolls-Royce leading engine development.
Rolls-Royce in 6th-generation Jet Engine Development
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Rolls-Royce is actively involved in 6th-generation jet engine development, particularly through its contributions to the UK-led Tempest program under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The company is focusing on adaptive cycle technology, which allows engines to switch between high-thrust and fuel-efficient modes, enhancing performance for next-gen fighters.
Rolls-Royce has emerged as a frontrunner in India's $4.5 billion 6th-gen engine deal, competing with GE and Safran 2.
It has offered full technology transfer and local production, ensuring India gains complete Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over the engine.
The proposed 110-130 kN thrust engine will be custom-built for India's AMCA Mk-2, incorporating stealth optimization, supercruise capability, and Al-driven maintenance.
The company’s experience with advanced propulsion makes it a strong contender for India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology.
General Electric (GE) and Safran
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On the other side, both General Electric (GE) and Safran are actively involved in 6th-generation jet engine development, competing for India's $4.5 billion AMCA Mk-2 propulsion deal.
General Electric (GE) is offering an adaptive cycle engine, similar to its XA100 prototype, which enables fuel efficiency, high thrust, and thermal management.
The company has previous experience with India, supplying GE F414 engines for the Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA Mk-1.
GE's proposal includes technology transfer, but India may not receive full Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
Safran is focusing on stealth optimization and supercruise capability, leveraging its expertise from Rafale's M88 engine. The company has proposed 100% technology transfer, allowing India to manufacture and modify the engine independently.
Safran's engine design is expected to incorporate variable cycle technology, enhancing adaptability across different flight conditions.
India's Decision
Rolls-Royce has emerged as the frontrunner due to its experience with 6th-gen propulsion and willingness to transfer full IPR.GE and Safran remain strong contenders, with India weighing self-reliance vs. proven technology.
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