Russia has offered India the 177S engine for the AMCA fighter, according to the IDRW portal. According to the publication, Russian officials are discussing with New Delhi the possibility of jointly developing a new modification of this engine with a flat nozzle to reduce radar visibility.
The 177S is a fifth-generation engine, created based on technologies developed for the Su-57. It combines elements of the AL-41F1 and the latest AL-51F1, producing thrust up to 142 kN. As Indian experts note, the Russian engine will allow the AMCA to perform supersonic cruise flight without using afterburner and exceed the Indian Air Force's requirements for the AMCA Mk2 engine.
If a flat nozzle is used — like on the American F-22 Raptor — the fighter's radar and thermal visibility will be significantly reduced. Exhaust gases in such a design are dispersed more efficiently, which minimizes the chances of AMCA being detected by enemy sensors.
However, Moscow's proposal comes with risks, IDRW notes. The 177S has not yet passed flight tests, and its integration into the AMCA, originally designed for the American F414 engine, will require a major airframe redesign. This could shift the program's timeline, which is scheduled for 2032–2035, and increase India's dependence on Russian technologies.
The question of engine selection for the AMCA remains open. In addition to Russia, India is negotiating with French Safran and American companies. Indian military analysts consider the Russian proposal as one of the options that gives New Delhi additional leverage over other suppliers. The AMCA fighter development program remains a priority for India.