India and France Join Forces to Build Jet Engine for AMCA Stealth Fighter

India has taken a decisive step towards building its own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), by partnering with France’s aerospace leader Safran. The collaboration aims to co-develop and manufacture a high-thrust jet engine on Indian soil, a breakthrough that could transform the country’s defence self-reliance goals. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that this joint effort would ensure not only engine production but also the transfer of core technology, a long-awaited leap for India’s aviation sector.

AMCA will feature supercruise capability, an internal weapon bay, sensor fusion, and next-generation avionics. (PTI/File) | News18

The Quest for a High-Thrust Engine

At the heart of the project lies the plan to build a jet engine capable of producing around 120 kilonewtons of thrust, making it one of the most powerful in its class. Safran, known for its M88 engine that powers the Rafale fighters, will work with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to adapt and expand this proven technology. The roadmap includes complete technology transfer and the establishment of a gas turbine centre of excellence in India, ensuring that design, certification, and manufacturing expertise remain within the country.

From Vision to Reality: AMCA’s Development Path

The AMCA project has been under development for years, with its detailed design now completed and the prototype stage in progress. The fighter is envisioned as a twin-engine, stealth, multirole aircraft equipped with internal weapon bays, advanced avionics, supercruise ability, and reduced radar visibility. Its roles will range from air superiority and deep strike to electronic warfare and suppression of enemy defences. The first prototype is expected to fly by 2028, with production and induction into the Indian Air Force projected around 2035.

Safran’s Edge Over Global Competitors

While global players such as General Electric (USA) and Rolls-Royce (UK) had expressed interest in partnering with India, Safran’s proposal stood out due to its willingness to share critical intellectual property and provide complete technology transfer. Past negotiations with Rolls-Royce reportedly stalled over intellectual property issues, whereas Safran’s proven track record with Rafale engines and readiness to set up local infrastructure gave it the edge. This positions France as not just a supplier but a true partner in India’s long-term defence ambitions.

Lessons from the Kaveri Programme

India’s earlier attempt to design an indigenous jet engine under the Kaveri programme fell short of performance benchmarks and was eventually shelved. That setback highlighted the complexity of jet engine technology and the risks of working in isolation. By working with Safran, India avoids repeating past mistakes, gaining access to decades of French expertise while still ensuring that knowledge and capabilities are transferred domestically.

Strengthening Defence Manufacturing and Exports

This collaboration comes at a time when India’s defence manufacturing sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. Defence exports have multiplied nearly 35 times in the past decade, while domestic production has more than tripled. The AMCA engine programme, with its scale and complexity, is expected to accelerate this trend. India has also opened the AMCA project to private sector participation alongside Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), giving a boost to local industries and start-ups involved in advanced defence technologies.

Building an Aerospace Ecosystem in India

Safran’s involvement is not limited to the AMCA engine alone. The French company is also setting up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad for Rafale engines, scheduled to be operational by 2026. Such initiatives indicate that this collaboration extends beyond a single programme, laying the foundation for a sustainable aerospace ecosystem within India.

Conclusion: A Milestone for India’s Defence Future

The partnership with Safran to build a high-thrust jet engine for the AMCA is more than a defence contract—it is a strategic milestone. By ensuring complete technology transfer and local production, India secures the expertise it once struggled to attain. The AMCA project, supported by this engine, is set to rival leading fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and Su-57, elevating India’s position in global aerospace. More importantly, it reflects the country’s determination to move from dependency to self-reliance, transforming its defence sector into a hub of innovation, manufacturing, and export potential.

(Sources: News18, Times of India, Economic Times)