Defence
India and Japan Strengthen AMCA’s Capabilities with Advanced Engine Co-Production
India seeks Japanese technology to power its next-gen fighter jets and tanks, enhancing defense ties through co-production of advanced engine systems.
India and Japan have taken a major step towards enhancing their defense cooperation, with plans to co-produce advanced engines for next-generation fighter jets and armored tanks.
This collaborative effort, which comes on the heels of Japan’s invitation to India to join its 6th-generation Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), underscores the growing partnership between the two nations in defense technology.
During a crucial meeting held on May 5, 2025, between Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Japan’s Gen Nakatani, the two defense leaders discussed the potential of combining their technological expertise to accelerate the development of advanced military capabilities.
India’s Need for Advanced Engine Technology
India’s interest in Japanese engine technology stems from challenges in its domestic aircraft programs, where delays and technical hurdles have significantly impacted progress.
While the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (amca mkii production contenders) is underway, the indigenous program faces critical bottlenecks, particularly in the development of high-performance engines.
One of the primary concerns is the delay in the Tejas Mark II program, amca which has further compounded the urgency for foreign collaboration to meet India’s defense needs.
As India works towards producing the first amca fighter jet prototype within the next five years, Japanese engine technology offers an interim solution to power the hal amca, allowing for the enhancement of India’s fighter capabilities while sidestepping the delays of indigenous engine development.
The IHI XF9 engine, developed by Japan for its next-generation fighter programs, stands out as an ideal candidate to meet India’s requirements.
This Engine design can be tailored to achieve higher or lower thrust outputs based on specific requirements. Furthermore, Japan has plans to develop an even more powerful engine, targeting a maximum thrust of 20 tons (196 kN / 44,000 lbf).
While the XF9 engine holds tremendous promise for India’s fighter jet programs, the collaboration extends beyond the skies. The engine technology can also be adapted for use in armored tanks, where the focus shifts to durability, torque, and power delivery.
