DRDO and Safran Partner for 'Make in India' Fighter Jet Engine

India is set to formally launch a strategic partnership with France’s Safran to co-develop and manufacture advanced jet engines for its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The landmark project, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Safran, is seen as a major milestone in India’s push for defence self-reliance. According to senior officials, the proposal is being finalized for submission to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for approval.

The program, valued at an estimated USD 7 billion, will be executed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and is aimed at developing 120-kilonewton thrust class engines for the twin-engine AMCA and future fighter platforms. Crucially, it will include a complete transfer of technology, enabling long-term indigenous capability.

Safran’s proposal was selected based on its technological strength and proven track record in existing Indo-French defence collaborations, including helicopter engine co-production.

Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “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.”

The initiative marks a significant advancement in the India–France strategic partnership and will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace and defence ecosystem.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.