India partners with France’s Safran to co-develop jet engines for AMCA (photo source - X@NewsIADN)
India and France Join Forces to Build Powerful Jet Engines – This jet engine deal is a game-changer for India’s defense future. It brings advanced technology, boosts local manufacturing, and strengthens international ties. With AMCA and Safran’s support, India is moving closer to building its own powerful fighter jets and becoming a true aerospace powerhouse.
Big Announcement: India Signs Deal with French Company Safran
On August 22, 2025, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced a major partnership with Safran, a top aerospace company from France. This deal is a big step forward for India’s defense sector. The goal is to co-develop advanced jet engines for India’s future fighter aircraft called AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
What makes this deal special is that India will not just buy the engines, it will build them in India with full technology transfer. This means Indian engineers will learn how to make these engines themselves, without depending on foreign companies.
What Is AMCA and Why Are Jet Engines Important?
The AMCA is India’s upcoming fifth-generation fighter jet, designed to be fast, stealthy, and powerful. To fly such advanced planes, India needs strong jet engines that can produce high thrust, at least 120 kN (kilonewtons). Until now, India relied on foreign engines from companies like General Electric (USA) and Rolls-Royce (UK).
Jet engines are the heart of any fighter aircraft. They decide how fast the plane can fly, how high it can go, and how well it performs in battle. By making its own engines, India will:
- Save money on imports
- Improve national security
- Create jobs for Indian engineers
- Become more self-reliant in defense
This project supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” campaign, which encourages building advanced technology within the country.
Full Technology Transfer: A Rare and Powerful Deal
One of the most exciting parts of this deal is the full technology transfer. Usually, foreign companies only share limited knowledge. But Safran has agreed to share everything India needs to design, test, and build these engines on its own.
This includes:
- Engine design blueprints
- Testing methods
- Manufacturing techniques
- Training for Indian engineers
India plans to build prototype engines by 2027, and start full production by 2035. This timeline gives India enough time to test the engines and make sure they work perfectly with the AMCA fighter jets.
Experts say this deal puts India ahead of other countries working on similar technology. It also shows strong trust between India and France.
India and France Join Forces For Stronger Ties
This partnership is not just about engines, it’s also about friendship. India and France have worked together in defense for many years, including deals for Rafale fighter jets and Scorpène submarines.
By working with Safran, India is showing that it values long-term partnerships with trusted allies. France, in turn, is supporting India’s dream of becoming a global defense leader.
The deal also sends a message to other countries: India is ready to build world-class technology and compete with top players in aerospace.
Also read – AMCA Program Under Siege: HAL Monopoly Stifles Innovation and Progress
India’s AMCA: The Future of 5th-Generation Fighter Aircraft
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