India Partners with Safran to Build Next-Gen Fighter Jet Engines at Home

India’s AMCA program marks a new era, aiming for self-reliance with stealth design, advanced engines, and strategic autonomy in next-gen air combat.

In the coming years, India is preparing to take one of its most ambitious steps in military aviation history — the development of its own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, powered by an advanced home-built engine.

This milestone not only strengthens India’s defence capabilities but also marks a defining leap towards self-reliance in aerospace technology.

According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been in advanced discussions with French aerospace giant Safran to jointly develop and manufacture engines in India for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This partnership cements India–France defence ties further, bringing both nations closer in strategic cooperation.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), in collaboration with DRDO, has already finalized the paperwork, with five prototypes of the AMCA scheduled to roll out by 2027.

Several global aerospace companies have also approached India with proposals — from joint development offers to ready-made designs — but New Delhi’s long-term focus remains clear: strategic autonomy. India aims to secure complete rights to the technology, ensuring freedom to upgrade, produce, and modify engines domestically without foreign restrictions.

The AMCA Vision

The AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine, single-seat stealth fighter, designed for air superiority, deep strike missions, and next-generation survivability. As Project Director Krishna Rajendra explained, “This aircraft will not be noticed on enemy radar; that is the stealth feature of this aircraft.”

The Mark-1 version of the AMCA will be powered by a 98 kN engine, while the Mark-2 upgrade will use a more powerful 110 kN engine, jointly developed with Safran in India. Safran, well-known for its M-88 engines that power the Rafale jets, will provide critical expertise in designing high-thrust, low-bypass turbofans suited for stealth operations, supercruise, and extreme maneuverability.

Why the Engine Matters

Fifth-generation fighters demand cutting-edge materials, ultra-precise manufacturing, and advanced production techniques. These are highly sensitive technologies that nations seldom share. By ensuring engine production takes place within India, the country safeguards its defence autonomy and reduces dependency on imported equipment.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his address at the ET World Leaders Forum in Delhi, stated:

“We have also moved towards manufacturing the aircraft’s engine in India itself. We are about to start engine manufacturing work in India with the French company Safran.”

This collaboration will not just result in a powerful jet engine, but also lay the foundation for India’s domestic aerospace industry to grow, innovate, and compete on the global stage.

The Road Ahead

While Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has faced delays in past projects like the Tejas Mk1 and Mk2, lessons have been learned. This time, the government is expected to bring in private sector partners to speed up timelines, ensure efficiency, and maintain global quality standards.

With the AMCA project, India is not just building a fighter jet — it is crafting the future of its defence ecosystem. If successful, the program will elevate India into the elite league of nations with true fifth-generation capabilities, backed by engines designed and manufactured at home.