In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, French aerospace giant Safran S.A., in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), is poised to co-develop a powerful 120 Kilo Newton (KN) jet engine for India’s next-generation fighter aircraft. After two years of discussions, the project is expected to receive government approval imminently.
The joint effort will see the jet engine manufactured in India, adhering to local intellectual property rights. Safran has pledged a complete transfer of technology, encompassing critical components such as the advanced single-crystal blade technology. These blades, fabricated from sophisticated super-alloys, are designed to endure extreme temperatures and mechanical stresses, significantly enhancing engine efficiency and longevity.
Officials indicate that Safran and GTRE will be tasked with producing nine prototypes over a span of 12 years. Although the initial targeted power output stands at 120 KN, plans are in place to elevate this to 140 KN during the development phase. The engine is set to primarily power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a twin-engine stealth fighter being developed in India, with contributions from private sector giants like Tata, L&T, and Adani Defence. Additionally, the Indian Navy’s upcoming Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) is expected to benefit from this new powerplant.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has articulated the Indian government’s commitment to the indigenous development of fighter jet engines, an initiative strongly endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a recent Independence Day address, Modi highlighted the strategic imperative for self-reliance in key defense technologies, particularly jet engines, which have implications for both military and civilian sectors.
At present, India predominantly depends on American company GE for its F-404 and F-414 engines, of which the latter only includes a 70% technology transfer. In stark contrast, the Safran-GTRE alliance’s comprehensive technology transfer positions it as a transformative game-changer for India’s defense landscape. France is viewed as a steadfast partner in defense, maintaining support for India post its 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, unlike several other Western nations.
The strategic ramifications of this project are profound. With the development of an indigenous 120–140 KN engine, India will join an elite cadre of nations—including the US, Russia, the UK, and France—that possess the capabilities to design and manufacture fighter jet engines. In contrast, even China relies on Russian engines or on reverse-engineered models for its frontline aircraft.
This initiative aligns with the Indian Air Force’s preparations for the AMCA alongside potential new fighter procurement, with the Dassault Rafale also being considered for additional orders. Analysts assert that the introduction of this new engine program will bolster India’s self-sufficiency in propulsion technology, thereby enhancing the nation’s airpower and promoting strategic autonomy in the long run.
