France Offers 5th-Gen Fighter Engine Technology to India, Strengthening Strategic Ties

In a major boost to India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, France has offered to co-develop and transfer technology for a 110kN-class fifth-generation fighter engine. This offer, made by Safran, a leading French aerospace company, marks a significant milestone in Indo-French defence cooperation, reinforcing France’s position as a trusted strategic partner for India.

Safran’s Bid: A Leap in Jet Engine Technology

Safran, known for its M88 engines that power Rafale fighter jets, is offering an entirely new engine core specifically designed for the AMCA. Unlike previous collaborations, this time Safran has proposed full technology transfer, ensuring India gains ownership of the engine design and manufacturing expertise. This move aims to provide India with “strategic independence” in military jet engine development, reducing its reliance on foreign imports.

The proposed 110kN-class engine will be developed in partnership with India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). This collaboration will focus on:

• Advanced materials and metallurgy for high-performance engine components
• Next-gen turbine and compressor technologies to improve efficiency and durability
• Full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency
• Stealth-adapted engine design to support India’s AMCA's low observability features

Competing Against Global Engine Giants

France’s Safran is not the only player eyeing India’s fifth-generation fighter jet project. The U.S.-based General Electric (GE) and the UK’s Rolls-Royce are also in the race to power the AMCA. GE’s F-414 engine has already been selected for the Tejas Mk2 fighter, while Rolls-Royce has pitched its Eurojet EJ200-based engine for India’s future combat aircraft.

However, Safran's offer stands out due to its promise of complete technology transfer, whereas GE’s offer has restrictions on certain critical components. This has led to intense discussions within India’s defence establishment regarding the best partner for achieving self-reliance in fighter jet engine technology.

A Strategic Partnership with a Strong Track Record

India and France share a long history of defence collaboration, from the Mirage 2000 fighter jets to the Rafale deal and Scorpene submarines. France has consistently positioned itself as a reliable ally, particularly during geopolitical tensions, contrasting with the more transactional approach of the U.S.

However, there is some caution within India's defence community regarding Safran, given past experiences. In the late 2010s, India attempted to revive its indigenous Kaveri engine with Snecma (now Safran), but the project faced setbacks due to limited technology sharing. India is keen to avoid repeating history and ensure that any new collaboration provides genuine indigenous capability development.

Beyond Fighter Jets: Expanding Indo-French Defence Ties

Beyond the AMCA engine offer, Safran is also setting up a Defence Electronics manufacturing facility in India, which will produce:

• Sensors for fighter jets and military platforms
• Navigation and avionics systems
• Critical electronic components for defence applications

Additionally, finalizing deals for Rafale-Marine fighters for the Indian Navy and additional Scorpene-class submarines could further deepen India-France strategic ties.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for India's Defence Future

The French offer of fifth-generation fighter jet engine technology presents India with a unique opportunity to develop indigenous aerospace expertise. If successfully negotiated, this partnership could be a game-changer, enabling India to design, develop, and manufacture advanced jet engines independently.

With the AMCA program set to take off in the mid-2030s, India must carefully assess the competing bids and ensure that any deal prioritizes long-term self-reliance over short-term procurement. A decision in favor of Safran could significantly accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a global aerospace powerhouse.