India to Collaborate with France on Next‑Gen Jet Engine
INDIAN DEFENCE
India-France Jet Engine Pact Set to Redefine Defence Technology Cooperation
India is poised to take a historic leap in defence self-reliance with a proposed ₹61,000 crore ($7.3 billion) collaboration with France’s Safran Group for the co-development of a next-generation fighter jet engine. This high-stakes joint venture is a cornerstone of India’s ongoing push to become self-sufficient in cutting-edge aerospace technologies, especially in military aviation.
The proposed engine will likely power future variants of India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). If finalized, the partnership will not only transfer critical jet engine technology but also establish a local production ecosystem capable of sustaining India’s military aviation fleet for decades.
The French engine-maker Safran, known for its successful M88 engine used in Rafale fighter jets, has expressed interest in co-developing a high-thrust turbofan engine suited to Indian operational needs, particularly high-altitude performance and extended mission cycles. The project includes 100% technology transfer, a rare and strategic concession not offered by many Western nations.
This engine development project is expected to be formalized under the India-France Strategic Partnership, which has already facilitated the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets and cooperation in space, nuclear energy, and cybersecurity. The upcoming agreement was discussed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in 2023 and has now advanced to final-stage negotiations between defence ministries.
Once implemented, the project would make India only the fourth country in the world—after the US, Russia, and France—to possess full-cycle jet engine development capabilities. The Indian defence establishment has struggled for decades with its Kaveri engine program, which failed to meet expectations. The collaboration with France is expected to fill this technological void and revive India’s dream of indigenous jet propulsion.
The manufacturing will likely take place in a joint facility in India, with Safran engineers training Indian personnel. Experts believe this will generate over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, alongside creating spin-off opportunities in India’s private aerospace sector. It will also benefit HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and Bharat Forge, who are expected to contribute components and materials.
From a geopolitical standpoint, the collaboration underscores India’s growing defence-industrial ties with France, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and shifting supply chains. By diversifying its defence partnerships, India is strategically reducing its reliance on traditional suppliers like Russia while strengthening ties with trusted European allies.
This engine project is also expected to play a critical role in India’s defence export ambitions. With countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America seeking affordable and modern defence platforms, a domestically powered AMCA aircraft with a co-developed engine could become a game-changer in the international market.
In conclusion, the India-France jet engine pact is more than a bilateral defence deal—it’s a leap forward in strategic autonomy, aerospace innovation, and global competitiveness. With its focus on technology transfer, local manufacturing, and operational performance, the project could redefine India’s role in the global defence supply chain for years to come.
