India signs deal with French jet engine firm Safran for fifth-generation jets

In a major boost for the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India will partner with French company Safran to jointly design and manufacture the engine for its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the government-to-government deal. The new 120 kilonewton power engine is for the indigenous AMCA, which is planned to fly by 2035. This decision follows a selection process where Safran was chosen over GE from the United States and Rolls-Royce from the UK. The choice highlights a deep strategic trust in France, which has been a reliable defence partner, notably by not imposing sanctions after the 1998 Pokhran tests. The partnership with Safran is reported to include 100% transfer of technology and full intellectual property ownership for India, a critical factor in the country's quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.