India’s AMCA 5th Gen Fighter.
DRDO-Safran Set to Partner for $7 Billion Advanced AMCA Fighter Jet Engine Project: In a pivotal move that signifies India’s growing ambitions in military aviation, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to seek approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for a landmark $7 billion (Rs 61,000 crore) joint venture with French aerospace giant Safran. This collaboration is poised to revolutionize India’s defense capabilities, laying the foundation for the country’s first indigenously developed, high-performance jet engine for its advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The announcement, made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 22, 2025, during the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, underscores India’s increasing focus on achieving self-reliance in defence technologies. Speaking at the forum, Singh emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “We have taken steps towards building fifth-generation fighter aircraft. We are now moving towards manufacturing their engines in India itself, in collaboration with the French company Safran.”
This ambitious initiative aims to create a robust, self-sustaining ecosystem for the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of jet engines within India. The deal, which involves a full transfer of technology (ToT) from Safran to India, is expected to place India at the forefront of cutting-edge aerospace technology. The result will be the creation of a 120-kilonewton (kN) thrust engine, a crucial component for the AMCA, which is designed to meet the stringent performance requirements of modern air combat.
A Strategic Leap in Aerospace Self-Reliance
At the heart of the project is the development of a powerful engine for the AMCA Mk2 variant. Weighing in at 25 tonnes, the AMCA is set to be India’s most advanced fighter aircraft, featuring stealth capabilities, supercruise, and enhanced maneuverability. While the initial AMCA Mk1 variant will be powered by General Electric’s F414 engines, the more advanced Mk2 variant will require the new, higher-thrust 120 kN engine to unlock its full potential, including enhanced operational capabilities such as extended range and superior performance at high altitudes.
The collaboration between DRDO and Safran has been hailed as a breakthrough in India’s drive to reduce its dependency on foreign military technology. The full intellectual property rights (IPR) of the jet engine will belong to India, a critical development that ensures future modifications, upgrades, and exports can be carried out without external interference or reliance. This move will place India in control of a vital defense technology, enhancing the nation’s strategic autonomy.
Additionally, the project is expected to foster growth in India’s domestic aerospace sector. The partnership will establish a comprehensive supply chain, creating job opportunities and promoting technical skills across both public and private enterprises. In turn, this will build capacity for future defense projects, allowing India to emerge as a global hub for defense manufacturing.
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AMCA full scale model at Aero India 2025.
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The Road to Advanced Jet Engine Production
The development of a domestically produced jet engine is not a new pursuit for India, but it has historically faced challenges. The DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru has been at the forefront of India’s efforts to design and develop indigenous engines, but past efforts have been marked by delays and technical hurdles. Notably, the indigenization of the Shakti helicopter engine, which also involved a partnership with Safran, experienced several setbacks, leading to concerns within the defense community about the timely execution of the new jet engine project.
Despite these past challenges, experts are cautiously optimistic about the AMCA engine collaboration. To mitigate risks and ensure the project’s success, the agreement with Safran is expected to include stringent timelines and accountability measures to guarantee timely delivery and technology transfer milestones. This accountability framework, coupled with the direct involvement of DRDO’s GTRE, is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the successful and timely realization of the 120 kN engine.
The agreement between DRDO and Safran follows a comprehensive evaluation process that considered multiple international manufacturers, including UK-based Rolls-Royce. Safran’s track record of supplying high-performance engines, most notably for the French Rafale fighter jets, made it a strong contender. The M88 engine supplied by Safran is renowned for its advanced features, including thrust vectoring and digital engine controls, which have helped make the Rafale a formidable fighter in global defense arsenals.
India’s decision to partner with Safran highlights the importance of ensuring the availability of reliable and proven technologies in the creation of its next-generation fighter aircraft. It also reflects a broader shift towards more strategic collaborations with global aerospace leaders to bridge critical gaps in defense technology.
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Graphics: AMCA Programme Execution Model.
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The AMCA and India’s Air Force Aspirations
The AMCA program is a critical component of India’s long-term strategy to modernize its air force and enhance its defense capabilities. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ambitious plans to induct a total of seven squadrons—126 aircraft—of the AMCA over the coming decades. The first two squadrons will feature the AMCA Mk1, powered by the General Electric F414 engine, while the subsequent five squadrons will be equipped with the more advanced AMCA Mk2, featuring the newly developed Safran-powered engine.
The AMCA is designed to replace aging fleets of aircraft such as the Mirage 2000 and the MiG-21, and it is expected to provide India with superior air superiority and deep-strike capabilities. With advanced stealth features, the AMCA will be capable of evading enemy radar and carrying out missions deep within enemy territory, making it a critical asset for India’s defense strategy.
By partnering with Safran, India is taking a significant step toward achieving its goal of developing a complete and self-sufficient defense industry. The successful development of the AMCA engine will be a defining moment in India’s aerospace capabilities, positioning the country as a major player in the global defense market.
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A Step Toward Global Defense Leadership
The AMCA engine project is more than just an aerospace milestone—it is a crucial part of India’s broader vision to become a leader in global defense manufacturing. Over the past decade, India has made substantial progress in expanding its defense manufacturing base, with initiatives like the “Make in India” campaign bolstering domestic production across various sectors, from naval systems to armored vehicles. The AMCA engine project will be a major feather in India’s cap, demonstrating the country’s ability to develop and produce cutting-edge military technology.
However, the project’s success will not only be measured by the successful integration of the new engine into the AMCA program but also by its ability to generate significant exports in the future. The ability to export the new jet engine to allied countries would solidify India’s position as a global defense manufacturing hub, further strengthening its geopolitical influence.
India’s partnership with Safran is a defining moment in the country’s quest for self-reliance in defense technology. The \$7 billion collaboration is expected to lay the groundwork for the creation of a cutting-edge jet engine that will power India’s most advanced fighter aircraft, the AMCA. With full technology transfer, a robust supply chain, and the ownership of intellectual property rights, India is poised to become a global leader in defense manufacturing.
As the DRDO prepares to present its proposal to the CCS for final approval, all eyes are on the ambitious project’s execution. With the stakes high, the success of this collaboration could chart a new course for India’s aerospace industry, while bolstering its strategic autonomy and position on the global defense stage.
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