India Set To Approve Safran–GTRE Jet Engine Project For Future Combat Aircraft

India is set to approve a landmark defence collaboration as Safran SA of France and India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under DRDO, prepare to jointly develop a high-thrust 120–140 kilo-Newton (kN) engine for the country’s upcoming twin-engine Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The decision comes soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, urged the indigenous development of aircraft engines, highlighting it as a national priority.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has since reiterated the importance of this mission, stating that India is now ready to embark on this critical journey in fighter jet engine development.

12-Year Programme with 100% Technology Transfer

As per sources familiar with the matter, the project will see the creation of nine engine prototypes over a 12-year timeline.

The developers will initially target 120 kN thrust and upgrade the engine to 140 kN by the end of the development cycle.

The agreement, once finalised, will include full technology transfer from Safran to DRDO—critically, including crystal blade technology.

These single-crystal turbine blades, made from high-performance alloys, are essential to withstanding extreme heat and stress in modern fighter engines.

While DRDO has developed this technology in laboratory settings, adapting it for high-thrust fighter engines remains a formidable challenge.

The Indo-French engine collaboration has been under discussion for over two years, but the Modi government has now pushed DRDO to formalise a proposal. Top-level approval is expected shortly.

The engine will power the AMCA, which India’s private sector will develop and build.

Leading companies such as Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro, and Adani Defence are likely to play key roles in this national effort.

PM Modi has consistently advocated for self-reliance in high-end defence technology, viewing jet engine development as a vital area with both military and civilian applications.

Reducing Strategic Dependence

Currently, the US has agreed to supply India with 212 F-404 jet engines and will transfer partial technology for the more advanced GE-414 engines.

However, the capped 70% technology transfer limits India’s full control over the engine’s design and production.

India sees France as a more dependable partner. Officials noted that France supported India even during sanctions post-1998 nuclear tests and has consistently provided key military technology, including the INGPS systems and spare parts for Mirage 2000 aircraft.

Given the 73 kN M-88 engine powers India’s Rafale jets, it is strategically logical for India to partner with Safran and Dassault to produce 114 more fighters locally under the multi-role combat aircraft programme.

The Safran–GTRE engine will also power future naval deck-based fighters for India’s aircraft carriers, making it the backbone of India’s frontline combat capability for decades to come.

Once developed, the engine will mark a strategic turning point—ensuring that the Indian Air Force and Navy are no longer reliant on foreign nations for the most crucial component of fighter aircraft.

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