The decision came after months of study by experts and a technical committee. The team compared proposals from Safran and the UK’s Rolls-Royce. In the end, Safran was picked because it offered better terms, including full technology transfer.

This engine will be used in India’s upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a new stealth fighter jet being developed by India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has strongly supported this project. His efforts helped push this deal forward as part of India’s broader plan to reduce dependence on foreign military equipment.

Indigenous Engine for Future Jets

The engine to be developed will produce 120 kilonewton (kN) of thrust. It will help India build powerful fighter jets that can fly at high speed, remain undetected by enemy radars and operate without foreign support.

In the early phase, the first AMCA fighter jets will use American GE-414 engines. These jets are expected to be ready around 2030. Later versions of AMCA will switch to the Indian-French engine that will be developed under this new deal.

This is important because, right now, India uses only foreign engines in its fighter jets. These engines are expensive and hard to maintain without support from abroad. India is expected to need over 250 new engines in the next 10 years.

This deal will also bring key engine technologies to India. Safran will share how to make important parts like single-crystal blades, high-temperature coatings, and parts that need laser drilling. All these are needed to make strong and reliable jet engines.

Private and government companies in India will be part of this engine-making process. This will also boost local jobs and technical skills.

India had tried to make its own jet engine before, through the Kaveri project. But that effort failed due to technical problems. The new plan is better, as engine and aircraft development will happen in stages. Some parts of the Kaveri engine are now being used in drone programs.

At the same time, India is also working with the US to get engine tech from GE for the LCA Mk2 jet. Talks are on for over 80% technology transfer under that plan too.

If everything goes well, India will roll out the first AMCA prototype by 2026-27. Test flights will start by 2028-29. Full production is expected around 2035.

This deal with Safran marks a turning point in India’s defence journey. It will help India join the small group of countries that can make their own fighter jet engines and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers.