India and France to Jointly Develop Advanced Fighter Jet Engine in Major Defence Breakthrough
India’s defence sector is on the brink of a transformative milestone, with the Ministry of Defence recommending a strategic partnership with France for the joint development of next-generation fighter jet engines. As reported by The Economic Times, this marks a pivotal moment for one of India’s most ambitious defence manufacturing initiatives, aimed at achieving self-reliance in aerospace propulsion technology.
The proposal, valued at ₹61,000 crore, was the result of a rigorous evaluation process by expert technical panels and industry stakeholders. The French offer—led by Safran—was chosen for its robust technology transfer potential and long-term industrial partnership benefits.
The two countries will co-develop a 120-kilonewton-class engine expected to power India’s upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a cornerstone of the country’s future air combat capability. Beyond manufacturing, the collaboration promises to transfer key design expertise to India, strengthening its domestic aerospace industry and positioning it as a global player in propulsion technology.
Aligned with AMCA’s development timeline, the project includes the rollout of five prototypes by 2026–27, first flight by 2028, certification by 2032, and full-scale production by 2035. India is projected to need around 250 of these engines to equip seven IAF squadrons and potentially a naval variant.
The complete technology transfer clause ensures broad participation from Indian industry, both public and private, in engine design, production, and maintenance—laying the foundation for a sustainable, self-sufficient aerospace ecosystem.
This bold move is strongly backed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, whose vision of technological independence continues to drive efforts to localize critical military hardware. The Indo-French engine program signals a new era in which India shifts from being a buyer to a key developer of high-end defence technologies.
