India is preparing to launch a landmark partnership with France to co-develop and manufacture a next-generation jet engine for its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), The Economic Times reported on August 28, citing senior officials.
The $7 billion project, involving India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and French aerospace giant Safran, is expected to significantly advance India’s defense self-reliance and deepen strategic ties with Paris.
Senior officials told The Times of India that DRDO will soon seek approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The deal, which includes full technology transfer, will design, test, certify, and produce 120-kilonewton engines in India for the twin-engine AMCA and future platforms. Safran’s proposal—executed with DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE)—was chosen as the most viable option. Safran already manufactures helicopter engines in India and has been a long-standing defense partner.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the agreement during The Economic Times World Leaders Forum, saying India was moving toward building its own fifth-generation fighter and producing its engine domestically with Safran.
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The initiative comes amid India’s wider push for indigenous defense capabilities. In May, Singh approved the AMCA prototype design. Over the past decade, India has launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier, expanded submarine and warship production, tested hypersonic missiles, and opened a large helicopter plant.
With 65% of its population under 35 and a thriving startup ecosystem of more than 100 unicorns , Singh said India is positioning itself as not just a regional power but a future global defense hub. The India–France engine programme, he added, will mark another decisive step in that direction.
India has also taken a decisive step away from Russian hardware, signing a $7.4 billion deal with France for 26 Rafale marine fighter jets, Bloomberg reported on April 28.
The agreement, finalized after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 Paris visit, also covers maintenance for the 36 Rafales bought in 2016. The new fleet, to be deployed on INS Vikrant, will replace aging Russian MiG-29Ks on INS Vikramaditya.
A Rafale fighter jet performs during an exhibition flight demonstration as part of the 55th edition of the International Paris Air Show at the ParisLe Bourget Airport, in Le Bourget, suburb of Paris on June 17, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)
Once Moscow’s top arms customer, India has steadily reduced its reliance on Russian suppliers: SIPRI data shows Russian systems made up 72% of India’s imports in 2010–14, but just 36% between 2020 and 2024.
Previously, it was reported that India and Russia aim to boost annual trade by nearly 50% over the next five years, setting a target of $100 billion as both countries look to ease tariffs and strengthen ties amid growing frictions with the United States.
From donor to ally on the frontlines of combat
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