India and Safran Seal Jet Engine Deal for Fifth-Generation Fighters. India will begin manufacturing 120 kN jet engines for AMCA in partnership with French Safran : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
India and France To Jointly Work to Produce JET ENGINES for India’s Fifth Gen Fighters !!!
Safran's Proposal for AMCA engine.
>Safran India will co develop new engine with GTRE
> No Export Restrictions
> Rafale Will be Testbed for the engine
> Full Production of the engine in the Country.
> Co-testing and Co-Certification of the new engine
> ToT on both Material and Technologies to manufacture them locally (Tools n Machinery)
🔥 BIG Announcement by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh -
"We have begun steps for construction of a 5th Gen Fighter Air Craft. We will also make the Aircraft Engine in our country.
~ We have joined hands with french company Safaran to begin Engine making."
India and Safran Seal Jet Engine Deal for Fifth-Generation Fighters
India has taken a decisive leap in defense self-reliance by signing a landmark deal with France’s Safran to co-develop and manufacture advanced jet engines for its indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fighter program.
The agreement, unveiled in New Delhi by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is valued at approximately ₹61,000 crore and is set to deliver state-of-the-art 120kN thrust engines through full technology transfer and localized production facilities.
Key Details of the Deal
-
Full Technology Transfer and Local Manufacturing: As part of the agreement, Safran will collaborate closely with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). The deal assures complete transfer of design and production know-how, strengthening India’s industrial ecosystem and ensuring no export restrictions.
-
Strategic Boost: The project is structured as a government-to-government partnership and is expected to be the foundation for equipping the second version of the AMCA, India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, with engines capable of thrust between 110–120kN.
-
Timeline and Impact: Development and certification of the new engine are targeted for completion within a decade. The collaboration aims to position India as a global defense technology player—enabling future exports and giving the country long-sought strategic autonomy.
Why Safran?
France’s flexibility in sharing advanced defense technology stands out. While American, British, and Russian engine makers were contenders, Safran’s willingness to commit to near-total technology transfer and its existing collaboration track record—powering India’s Rafales and co-developing helicopter engines—tilted the decision in its favor.
This follows historic Indo-French defense partnerships such as the Rafale fighter and Scorpène submarine projects.
Strategic and Economic Significance
By localizing the manufacturing of these high-performance jet engines, India addresses a long-standing vulnerability—dependence on foreign engine suppliers for its air fleet.
The “Make in India” push not only secures future operational capabilities for the Indian Air Force but also sets the stage for India’s emergence as an aerospace exporter.
The deal is also expected to have downstream benefits for other indigenous aircraft, future drones, helicopter projects, and possibly sixth-generation platforms.
Looking Ahead
The AMCA program’s first phase will utilize existing imported engines, but this joint venture will ultimately provide India with the independence to design, build, and possibly export next-generation stealth fighters with indigenously built engines.
In a broader geopolitical context, this move strengthens India’s defense relationship with France and signals its intent to stand alongside global aviation powers with homegrown technology and manufacturing capacity.
This partnership not only showcases technological ambition but marks a crucial consolidation of India's aerospace capabilities, safeguarding national security interests far into the future.
