BrahMos-Armed 5th Gen Fighter Jet With Desi Engine To Surpass F-35 And Su-57

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 17:24 IST

Once operational, the 140 kN engines would surpass the thrust of the American F-35’s Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, which produce about 125 kN

While DRDO has already achieved a degree of expertise in turbine technology, adapting it to power frontline fighter jets has remained a formidable challenge. (PTI)

After the successful culmination of Operation Sindoor, India has moved decisively to strengthen its defence preparedness at a campaign level. Beyond modernising its existing arsenal and developing the advanced version of the Tejas fighter jet, the government has now fast-tracked a landmark project, the indigenous development of high-thrust fighter jet engines in collaboration with France.

According to official sources, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and French aerospace major Safran are set to launch a joint venture through the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru. The initiative will initially produce a 120 kiloNewton (kN) thrust engine, with plans to scale up to a powerful 140 kN engine. Notably, even advanced fighters such as the American F-35, Russia’s Su-57 and France’s Rafale are equipped with engines that do not exceed the 125 kN mark.

A senior defence official confirmed that the proposal has received the Centre’s nod, with approval for a long-term programme aimed at powering India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). “Safran and GTRE together will make 9 prototype engines in 12 years. In the initial stage, the engine capacity will be 120 KN. It will later be increased to 140 KN,” the official said.

100% Technology Transfer

What makes the collaboration historic is the commitment by Safran to transfer complete intellectual property rights (IPR) for the engine technology to India. A report in the Hindustan Times said the transfer includes the highly advanced single-crystal blade technology, which allows super-alloy blades to withstand extreme temperatures and pressure. While DRDO has already achieved a degree of expertise in turbine technology, adapting it to power frontline fighter jets has remained a formidable challenge.

This breakthrough comes after years of delays. The proposal had been pending for nearly two years before the Centre cleared the way. Officials indicated that leading private sector firms – Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro and Adani Defence – are expected to join the AMCA ecosystem as development progresses.

Currently, only the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom and France have the proven capability to manufacture engines in this category. China, despite its rapid military build-up, still relies on either Russian imports or reverse-engineered copies for its fighter jets.

Lessons from Kaveri

India’s earlier attempt, the Kaveri engine project, could not achieve the desired results, leaving the Air Force dependent on imported power plants. At present, General Electric is supplying 212 F-404 engines for the Tejas fleet and has agreed to partial transfer of GE-414 engine technology. However, the transfer is capped at 70%, leaving India short of self-reliance in propulsion systems.

In contrast, France has consistently supported India in critical defence technologies. Even after the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, when most Western nations imposed sanctions, Paris continued to provide spares and upgrades for Mirage-2000 fighter jets and missile systems.

Strategic Leap for Air and Naval Power

The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale jets powered by M-88 Snecma engines of 73 kN thrust. Defence experts say the proposed 120-140 kN indigenous engines will not only support AMCA but also enhance India’s ability to co-produce the next tranche of 114 fighter jets in partnership with Dassault Aviation.

The Navy too stands to benefit. Its upcoming Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is designed to be powered by these indigenous engines, strengthening carrier-based air operations.

Once operational, the 140 kN engines would surpass the thrust of the American F-35’s Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, which produce about 125 kN. Integration with advanced weapons systems, including BrahMos-class supersonic missiles, is also being envisaged for India’s fifth-generation platforms.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had recently hinted at major progress in this direction, declaring that India would soon take “important steps” towards making engines for fighter aircraft.

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