Highly placed officials indicate that India’s proposed indigenous jet engine initiative is increasingly favouring the French engine maker, considered on par with top British and American firms in technical sophistication and programme management. The emerging preference is reportedly driven by the exceptional scope of technology sharing and industrial integration being offered rather than legacy strategic partnerships.
At the heart of the French proposal lies an unprecedented pledge of complete intellectual property transfer. This would grant Indian stakeholders full access to core engine design blueprints, manufacturing techniques, metallurgy and materials research, and validation processes. Such openness contrasts sharply with earlier collaborations, where limited technology exposure curtailed India’s ability to independently upgrade and evolve engine platforms.
Sources also highlight France’s willingness to pursue authentic co-development. Rather than a superficial partnership, the framework envisions significant portions of detailed engineering, production engineering, testing cycles, and lifecycle upgrades being executed within India. Conducting most of the programme domestically is seen as essential for building human capital, nurturing a resilient supplier network, and establishing enduring industrial infrastructure for future propulsion systems.
According to a senior official, once the engine reaches maturity, it will be manufactured entirely in India without importing physical components from France. French participation would be restricted to technical consultancy and early-stage support. This arrangement aims to ensure that India retains sovereign control over manufacturing schedules, modifications, and sustainment, safeguarding the programme from external political or supply disruptions.
Reflecting its national strategic value, the engine project is expected to come under direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Defence Minister from the beginning. High-level oversight is intended to avoid administrative delays and maintain policy continuity—an area where past aerospace initiatives have faced setbacks.
Moreover, the programme is anticipated to receive dedicated financial clearance from the Finance Minister and be financed outside the standard defence allocation. By insulating it from yearly budget fluctuations and competing capital expenditure demands, the government seeks to provide the stable, long-term funding essential for advanced engine development.
If executed as envisioned, the initiative could become a defining milestone in India’s aerospace ambitions. Through comprehensive technology transfer, full domestic manufacturing, and sustained political and financial commitment, India would move closer to securing true autonomy in high-performance jet propulsion—one of the most challenging domains in defence technology.
