India is set to take a major leap in its aerospace and defence sector by collaborating with France to co-develop a powerful new jet engine for its indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), as well as other futuristic platforms. This ambitious project will further deepen the already strong strategic partnership between the two nations.
India To Make Advanced Jet Engines With France
The Project and Collaboration
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to seek approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security for the joint project with French aerospace giant Safran, which has been chosen as the best option for engine development. The agreement includes a 100% transfer of technology (ToT), ensuring that the entire design, development, testing, certification, and production process of the 120 kilonewton thrust-class engines will take place in India.
The project, to be executed in collaboration with DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), is expected to cost nearly $7 billion. Safran already has a presence in India, manufacturing various helicopter engines, and will now play a central role in advancing India’s long-pending goal of developing indigenous aero-engine technology.
Official Confirmation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum, confirmed the development. He said,
“We have taken steps forward to build our fifth-generation fighter aircraft. We have also moved towards manufacturing the aircraft’s engine in India itself. We are about to start engine manufacturing work in India with the French company Safran.”
Addressing Long-Standing Challenges
India’s inability to indigenously manufacture high-thrust aero-engines has been a persistent obstacle for its fighter aircraft programs. The production of Tejas Mark-1A fighters, for instance, has been significantly delayed due to a two-year lag in the delivery of 99 GE-F404 turbofan engines contracted from the U.S. firm General Electric in August 2021, as well as issues related to weapons and radar integration.
Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE have yet to finalize a deal worth $1.5 billion for the co-production of GE-F414 engines (98 kN thrust) with 80% ToT, which will power the upcoming Tejas Mark-2 variant.
Indigenous Ecosystem for Aero-Engines
Officials emphasized that the Safran partnership will grant India full intellectual property rights and licensing control over the new jet engine. This will not only power the AMCA but also pave the way for creating a self-sustaining aero-engine ecosystem in the country, boosting supply chain development and private sector participation.
The AMCA Timeline
The AMCA, a 25-tonne fifth-generation stealth fighter, is expected to feature advanced sensor fusion, internal weapons bays, stealth-enabled serpentine air intakes, and a superior thrust-to-weight ratio. The Defence Ministry has recently approved a new “programme execution model” to accelerate prototype development, involving greater private sector engagement.
As per current plans, the AMCA is projected to be ready for production by 2035. The Indian Air Force (IAF) intends to induct seven squadrons (126 jets), with the first two squadrons powered by GE-F414 engines and the remaining five equipped with the 120 kN indigenous engines developed in collaboration with Safran.
Conclusion
This landmark collaboration with France marks a transformative step for India’s aerospace capabilities. By achieving self-reliance in critical jet engine technology, India not only strengthens its defence preparedness but also enhances its global standing as an emerging aerospace power.
