India Plans To Build Next-Generation Fighter Jet Engine With France: Report

Last Updated:July 18, 2025, 17:00 IST

The Ministry of Defence has recommended the partnership with France after reviewing proposals from both French company Safran and the UK's Rolls-Royce

The goal is to strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reduce the country's long-standing dependence on foreign-made military technology. (PTI/File)

India is reportedly planning a major defence project worth Rs 61,000 crore to develop next-generation fighter jet engines in collaboration with France. The goal is to strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reduce the country’s long-standing dependence on foreign-made military technology.

The project will focus on designing and building a new 120-kilonewton (kN) engine, which will power future fighter aircraft such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). All of India’s current fighter jets use engines built abroad, which contribute heavily to their overall cost, including long-term maintenance.

According to a report by The Economic Times, the Ministry of Defence has recommended the partnership with France after reviewing proposals from both French company Safran and the UK’s Rolls-Royce.

The decision comes after detailed technical reviews and discussions with key stakeholders. Safran’s proposal, which includes full technology transfer and a timeline aligned with the AMCA programme, was found more favourable for India’s interests.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is said to be strongly backing the proposal. He has been a vocal supporter of boosting domestic capability in defence production, especially in engine manufacturing, which is one of the most complex areas of fighter aircraft development.

Developing such engines is no easy task. Only a few countries have mastered the technology. India previously attempted to build its own fighter jet engine under the Kaveri project, but it failed to deliver the required thrust for modern fighters. A version of the Kaveri engine is now being developed for unmanned combat drones.

Meanwhile, India is also in talks with the United States for high-level technology transfer of the GE 414 INS6 engine, which will be used in the LCA Mk2 jets.

The Indian government is seeking over 80% of the engine technology, including advanced manufacturing techniques like hot-end coating, crystal blade production, and laser drilling.

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