India is on the verge of a major defence milestone. A groundbreaking fighter jet engine co‑development deal with French aerospace giant Safran is nearing clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opening a new chapter in India’s strategic push for self‑reliance in defence technology.

1️⃣ What the Deal Is All About

The deal involves co‑developing a next‑generation jet engine with Safran in partnership with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — specifically its Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). This engine is designed to power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkII, India’s indigenous fifth‑generation stealth fighter.

2️⃣ Huge Strategic Value — Rs 30,000 Crore and More

Though figures vary in early reports, the package under CCS consideration is valued at approximately Rs 30,000 crore, forming a cornerstone of India’s modern military aircraft propulsion capability. The overall programme may extend to more than this as development progresses and production scales.

(Note: Other sources indicate a larger long‑term AMCA engine project valued around ₹61,000 crore, underlining the scale and strategic importance of the effort.)

3️⃣ What the Engine Will Do

💡 Power & Performance:
This 120 kN‑class engine will be powerful enough to enable key performance traits like supercruise, improved range, and agility for future combat missions.

💡 Stealth fighter Fit:
It’s being developed specifically for the AMCA MkII, complementing the fighter’s stealth and advanced systems.

4️⃣ Full technology Transfer Is a Game‑Changer

Unlike many past defence partnerships, Safran has agreed to transfer 100 % of critical engine technologies to India. This includes advanced areas like turbine design and single‑crystal blade manufacturing — capabilities that are crucial for building cutting‑edge jet engines.

This transfer means india won’t just assemble engines — it will own the intellectual property and know‑how needed to design, build, and upgrade them independently.

5️⃣ Why This Matters for Atmanirbhar Bharat

The initiative fits squarely within India’s Atmanirbhar (self‑reliant) Defence push:

🔹 Reduces import dependence on foreign engines for high‑end fighters.
🔹 Builds domestic aerospace expertise that can spill into civilian and private sectors.
🔹 Boosts the local manufacturing ecosystem, including suppliers and materials industries.

6️⃣ Timeline & Future Expectations

📅 Development Phase: The project is expected to span about a decade, with prototypes, testing, certification, and eventual serial production all part of the roadmap.

🚀 AMCA Progress:
The AMCA airframe itself is scheduled for prototype rollout in the late 2020s, but the indigenous engine will arrive later after thorough testing and certification.

7️⃣ India’s Aerospace Ambitions Elevated

This engine project is more than a defence contract — it represents:

✅ A step toward global competitiveness in fighter propulsion
✅ A reversal of past setbacks like the long‑delayed kaveri engine programme
✅ A marker that india can partner internationally without surrendering core technology

🔍 In Simple Terms

· ➤ india and Safran are about to get CCS approval for a major defence engine deal.

· ➤ The engine will power India’s AMCA stealth fighter and future aircraft.

· ➤ All technology rights will be transferred to india, reinforcing self‑reliance.

· ➤ It’s a strategic milestone in India’s defence and aerospace evolution.

 

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