Subhechcha Ganguly 
India is set to approve a landmark defence project with French aerospace giant Safran S.A. and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to jointly develop the country’s first indigenous fighter jet engine.
The 120-kilonewton engine, which will eventually be upgraded to 140 kN, is designed to power India’s twin-engine Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Under the deal, Safran will transfer 100% of the technology, including critical crystal blade technology, to DRDO—ensuring the project falls under Indian intellectual property rights.
The plan involves developing nine prototypes over 12 years, with Indian private sector giants like Tata, L&T, and Adani Defence expected to participate in production. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has already indicated that India is on the cusp of taking up this critical task, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasized the need for indigenous jet engine development, most recently during his Independence Day address.
The agreement is strategically significant, as only a handful of countries—the US, Russia, UK, and France—currently possess the capability to design and manufacture fighter jet engines. India’s earlier attempt with the Kaveri engine fell short, while ongoing collaboration with US defence major GE has seen only partial technology transfer.
Officials point out that France has historically been a reliable defence partner, having continued support even during sanctions after the 1998 nuclear tests. With the Rafale jets already powered by Safran’s M88 engines, the joint venture is expected to transform India’s airpower capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
