India has made significant progress in its ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced a groundbreaking collaboration with French aerospace firm Safran to jointly develop and manufacture a next-generation 120 KN engine. This partnership is poised to provide the Indian Air Force with unparalleled aerial dominance, enhancing the combat capabilities of the AMCA, which is increasingly being labeled as “the king of the skies.”
Discussions regarding this project had included major global players like Rolls-Royce from the UK and GE from the US. Ultimately, India has opted to partner with Safran. The initial units of AMCA will utilize the GE-414 engine; however, the upgraded Mk-2 variant will adopt Safran’s advanced 120 KN engine, as reported by News18 Hindi. In his announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Singh emphasized the importance of manufacturing the aircraft’s engine in India, stating, “We are about to start engine manufacturing work in India with the French company Safran.”
The new AMCA engine promises to be a game-changer. Initially, the AMCA jets will fly with the GE-414 engine, but the future requirement for greater thrust has necessitated collaboration with Safran. Under a confidential agreement, Safran will develop the 120 KN engine over the next decade, moving towards large-scale production.
This engine program aligns with the India-France Horizon 2047 strategic partnership, which positions 2026 as the “Innovation Year” for both nations. This collaboration extends beyond military enhancements; it aims to establish a benchmark in technology and diplomatic relations.
Sources indicate that Safran’s partnership with India is ambitious, aiming to create a comprehensive aircraft engine ecosystem within the country. This initiative could pave the way for manufacturing and research of various types of aircraft engines domestically, promoting self-reliance in aerospace technology.
Moreover, Safran is expanding its footprint in India by setting up a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) center in Hyderabad for the M88 engines of Rafale fighter jets. This center is expected to be the first of its kind outside France and will specialize in repairing M88 engine modules. Establishing this MRO will not only advance high-end technology development but also generate employment opportunities.
Analysts believe that the advanced engine will equip the AMCA Mk-2 with exceptional capabilities, significantly enhancing India’s defense capabilities. With 120 KN of thrust, this fighter jet is expected to surpass any rival, bringing India closer to realizing its indigenous dream of developing both a fighter jet and its engine, thus solidifying its position as one of the world’s strongest air forces.
Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/india/india-to-build-indigenous-fifth-generation-fighter-jet-engines-120-kn-engine-joins-hands-with-this-country-for-amca-program-name-is-france-safran-8028836/
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Publish Date: 2025-08-23 06:42:00
