Brimming with excitement and marking a new era of growth for India, the government led by Emmanuel Macron in France has approved Safran, the globally recognized defense giant, to collaborate in a pioneering project with India.

This project aims to collectively conceptualize, design, develop, test, validate, and eventually manufacture a powerful engine that will serve as the heart for India’s twin-engine advanced multi-role combat aircraft (AMCA), and the twin-engine deck-based fighter slated for Indian aircraft carriers.

This decision coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's forthcoming two-day diplomatic tour to Paris. This significant announcement comes from France, one of India's strongest allies, stepping up to make an offer that goes beyond the revolutionary GE-414 engine deal previously negotiated with the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Safran, the leading French jet engine manufacturer, has conveyed its readiness to transfer comprehensive technology for jet engines capable of powering future generation fighter jets. The company has begun preliminary discussions on the subject, displaying an unwavering commitment to establish a long-term presence in India.

This Franco-Indian collaboration assumes great significance as India embarks on a bold, ambitious endeavor to develop an advanced multirole fighter jet. The Indian Air Force is adamantly advocating that this aircraft should be powered by an indigenous engine and equipped with domestically developed weapon systems.

In his inaugural comments as Safran's senior executive vice president, Alexandre Ziegler, who served as the French Ambassador to India until the previous year, mentioned that conversations have been initiated between the two nations for a potential collaboration for next-generation aircraft. He emphasized that the development of a homegrown fighter jet engine is crucial for maintaining strategic autonomy.

"If India decides to join forces with France in this specialized arena, we would be overjoyed and deeply honored to lend our expertise. We stand ready to offer a complete transfer of our cutting-edge technology and extensive know-how. This robust collaboration is the cornerstone of our partnership," the senior executive informed ET.

Safran, already partnering with India in several high-profile space projects and helicopter engines, is also a crucial supplier of systems for the Rafale fighter jets commissioned by the Indian Air Force. Ziegler added, "Our innovative technologies place France among the exclusive group of four countries globally that have mastered the entire development process of a fighter jet engine. Should India require our assistance in this particularly strategic area, we are fully prepared."

Safran (France) has offered full ToT for #HAL AMCA Mk-2 fighter engines.

With complete backing from the French government, Safran stands committed to forging a solid partnership with India. Discussions on this subject have already commenced, informed Ziegler.

France has also been endeavoring to rejuvenate the plans for the indigenous development of the Kaveri jet engine, considered as part of the Rafale offsets deal. A detailed project briefing was made to the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to Paris in October, showing how the nation is getting more involved in this strategic partnership. The future of India's air prowess is set for a dramatic upliftment, heralding an exhilarating phase of growth.

In a move that raises anticipation while paving the way for India's significant strides in defense technology, the French company Safran has proposed a deal to transfer 100% of the technology to India, free from the constraints of the US International Trade in Arms Regulation (ITAR). This groundbreaking collaboration intends to create a 110-kilo newton engine that will be fully "Made in India," showcasing India's growing prowess in the defense sector.

Although the government remains discreet regarding the details of this transaction, trusted insiders have confirmed the information. Notably, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, the chief of India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), recently paid a special visit to the Safran engine factory and the R&D center near Paris, coinciding with the 2023 Paris Air Show. The proposed engine has been a subject of ongoing discussions under the strategic dialogue led by India's Defence Minister and National Security Advisor with France.

On the 13th of July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to land in Paris to partake in the Bastille Day celebrations. This visit will also include a bilateral meeting with President Macron. Adding to the excitement, the Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter will join the Bastille Day fly-past on July 14, symbolizing the close ties between the two countries.

Safran's proposal encompasses the design and development of a completely new engine, along with new materials, novel architectural design, and full compliance with stealth requirements. All of these, inclusive of complete supply chains and ancillary manufacturing, will be based in India, promising a new wave of local jobs and expertise.

While the proposed deal ensures a highly competitive price per engine in US dollar terms, the comprehensive process—from design to certification of the manufactured engine—will span over a decade from the date of signing. An additional part of the deal entails Safran setting up a state-of-the-art center of excellence in India for gas turbine technology, equipped with advanced design and metallurgical precision software tools.

The DRDO has strived since 1996 to deliver on the Kaveri jet engine, but challenges related to metallurgical tools, rotating parts, single crystal blade technology, and high-pressure engine core have hindered progress. Safran's proposal aligns perfectly with its upcoming facility in Hyderabad for maintaining, repairing, and overhauling (MRO) LEAP engines used by Airbus's A320 and Boeing's 737 aircraft. This facility will also serve as an MRO for the M-88 engine, powering the Rafale fighter.

The scale of this deal's impact becomes clearer considering that Air India alone needs approximately 800 LEAP engines for its extensive aircraft purchase from Airbus and Boeing. Importantly, Safran's offer includes the complete hot section of the engine, encompassing the rotating parts, critical single crystal blade technology, and high-pressure compressor.

While the existing M-88 engine of the Rafale fighter with the Indian Air Force generates a thrust of 75-80 kilo newton, the new French offer—incorporating tie-ups with Indian defense PSUs and local private enterprises—promises a higher thrust engine. This powerful engine aligns with the requirements of the AMCA or TEDBF, currently under development by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO. Safran is already collaborating on a 125 KN engine for France's next-generation fighter. Furthermore, Safran engines are currently employed in the helicopters produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Both companies are reported to have agreed to co-develop an engine for Indian multi-role helicopters.

Safran has been proactive in establishing sourcing within India for engine parts needed for LEAP and M-88 at its Indian facilities and ancillary units, like a Lucknow-based company that manufactures titanium alloy parts for LEAP and Rafale engines.

Although this all-encompassing project—from design to flight—demands substantial investment of several billion euros, the French assert that their offer is extremely competitive by international standards. Notably, this offer brings the unique advantage of creating a comprehensive 360-degree capability and ownership of full engine technology by India, heralding a new era of self-reliance in the country's defense sector.