India is taking a giant stride towards becoming self-reliant in defence technology with the announcement that it will manufacture jet engines for its next-generation fighter aircraft right at home. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed at ET World Leaders' Summit that India and French aerospace company Safran will team up to co-develop and build powerful engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). It is India’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project. Mr. Singh said that this move is a significant milestone in India’s growing journey to lead in indigenous aerospace technology and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
This partnership is designed to go far beyond simple assembly. Safran and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will jointly design, develop, test and manufacture advanced 120-kilonewton thrust engines within India. There are plans for complete technology transfer, meaning that Indian engineers will own the full intellectual property and technical know-how of these engines. The aim is that these state-of-the-art engines will power not just the AMCA but also future fighter jets marking a huge jump for India’s defence sector.
For years, India had to rely on fighter jet engines designed and made abroad but this joint venture signals a new era. The Cabinet Committee on Security has already approved the overall AMCA project and initial proposals for the engines are on track for final clearance. The new engine design is expected to feature record-breaking power and technology with a roadmap already drawn up by Safran and DRDO. Although the process to build such high-end engines can take nearly a decade, officials believe this project will set new global standards by the time it is ready for service.
This collaboration also supports the large-scale ‘Make in India’ initiative. Mr Singh believes that Indian-built engines will eventually serve as the backbone for the country’s defence. He also highlighted India’s success with the Tejas light combat aircraft pointing out that it has become a symbol of indigenous capability. With new orders for over 90 more Tejas jets for the Indian Air Force, the homegrown defence aerospace momentum is getting stronger than ever.
By choosing to work with Safran, India is not just securing a world-class technology partner but also building the foundations for a future where local companies and expertise will play a central role in the defence sector. As the country prepares its air force for modern challenges, these new engines and aircraft will help ensure India’s strength and security for years to come.
