India & France Join Forces to Build Next-Gen Jet Engine for Stealth Fighter AMCA

India is set to launch a landmark collaboration with France to co-develop a powerful jet engine for its indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The deal, estimated at $7 billion, marks one of the most ambitious defense projects between the two nations.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will partner with French aerospace giant Safran, which already manufactures helicopter engines in India. The project will be carried out with DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to design, test, qualify, and manufacture a 120 kilonewton engine — with 100% transfer of technology (ToT).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the development during the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, saying, “We have taken steps forward to build our fifth-generation fighter aircraft. We are about to start engine manufacturing work in India with the French company Safran.”

India has long faced challenges in building indigenous jet engines with the right thrust-to-weight ratio, slowing down projects like the Tejas fighter jet program. Delays in engine deliveries from General Electric and integration hurdles have compounded the issue. The collaboration with Safran is expected to end this dependency and give India full intellectual property rights over the engine.

The AMCA, a 25-tonne stealth jet with advanced sensor fusion, internal weapons bays, and serpentine air intakes, is expected to be ready for production by 2035. The Indian Air Force plans to induct seven squadrons (126 jets) — with the first two squadrons powered by US-built GE-F414 engines, while the rest will fly with the new India-France engine.

Officials say the project will not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also create a complete ecosystem for aero-engine manufacturing in the country, boosting local industry and supply chains.

This collaboration comes as part of India’s wider push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing and further deepens the strategic partnership with France, already a major supplier of Rafale fighter jets and submarines.