Godrej Pushes 90 kN Engine for Tejas Mk2 and AMCA’s Future

India’s dream of building a world-class fighter jet engine is finally shifting gears. In a bold move, Godrej Aerospace has championed a “spiral development” strategy to deliver a homegrown 90 kN engine—a game-changing step that could power the Tejas Mk2 and lay the foundation for the AMCA’s 5th-generation propulsion needs.

For decades, India’s dependence on foreign engines like the GE F404 and F414 has left its fighter programs vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical roadblocks. Godrej’s proposal offers a pragmatic solution: start with a 90 kN engine for Tejas Mk2, gain real-world data, and then scale to the 110–120 kN powerhouse required for the AMCA.

Also India is planning to acquire nearly 450 fighter jets in the coming years to counter rising threats from China and Pakistan. Once among the world’s largest air forces, India now faces a major squadron shortage. The IAF should operate 42 squadrons but currently fields only about 31, creating a critical capability gap that modernization aims to address.

Why Spiral Development Matters

“Jumping from 50 kN to 120 kN in one go is like trying to leap from 2G straight to 5G—it’s risky and unsustainable,” explains Maneck Behramkamdin, Business Head of Aerospace at Godrej. Instead, the spiral approach mirrors how global leaders built engine supremacy:

• United States: Gradually evolved from the F100 to the F119 powering the F-22.
• France: Progressed from the M53 to the M88 before moving to next-gen cores.

This incremental method ensures India doesn’t just build an engine—it builds a knowledge ecosystem for decades of innovation.

Godrej’s Role in the Mission

With a ₹500 crore state-of-the-art facility at Khalapur, Godrej is already delivering Kaveri derivative engines, turbine modules, and hot-section components critical for high-performance jet engines. Their expertise in single-crystal blades, thermal coatings, and high-temp alloys puts them at the heart of India’s propulsion journey.

Why Tejas Mk2 Needs the 90 kN Engine

The Tejas Mk2 is more than just an upgrade—it’s India’s leap into a new era of combat aviation. Powered today by the imported GE F414 (98 kN), it needs an indigenous backup to ensure independence. Here’s what sets Mk2 apart:

Next-Gen Power: Capable of Mach 1.8+ with extended 3,000 km range.
Stealth by Design: One-fourth radar signature of Mk1, thanks to diverterless intakes.
Firepower Boost: 14 hardpoints carrying up to 6.5 tonnes of payload, including BrahMos-NG.
Smart Avionics: Indigenous Uttam AESA radar with 200+ km range and full 360° tracking.
AI Copilot: A virtual decision-making assistant that supports pilots in high-stress combat.

The 90 kN indigenous engine would give Tejas Mk2 its true Indian heart, powering over 180–200 aircraft and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Bigger Picture

With more than 1,200 engines needed across Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 fleets, the economic stakes are as high as the strategic ones. At an average of $8–10 million per engine, self-reliance could save billions while insulating India from sanctions, tariffs, or political pressure.

In a major step forward, the government has cleared the procurement of 97 additional LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the IAF at an estimated cost of ₹62,000 crore. This decision, taken during a high-level meeting, paves the way for state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to begin production.

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