India’s 5^th generation AMCA fighter jet program is getting a boost with the finalization of a deal to jointly develop a 120 kN fighter engine. India and France have finalized a historic agreement for the co-development of a high-thrust jet engine for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft of India, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The deal worth about ₹ 61,000 crore (~ 7.2 billion) will be jointly implemented by India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and France’s aerospace sector leading company SAFRAN.

While the technical and commercial terms have been agreed upon, the project is currently awaiting formal signing, pending Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval.

Engine Specs & Development Timeline

The proposed engine will deliver 120 kN thrust, scalable up to 140–145 kN, and incorporate advanced technologies such as:

• Single-crystal turbine blades
• Turbine entry temperatures of 2100K
• Full authority digital engine control (FADEC)

Development milestones include:

• 9 prototypes over 12 years
• First flight test by 2028
• Certification by 2032
• Production starting around 2036

400 engines will be developed in this project which will meet both India’s AMCA and TEDBF Program requirements. India is sincerely working and emphasizing self -sufficiency in the creation of fighter jet engines, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized this view in the 2025 Independence Day speech. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also reiterated this commitment.

Technology Transfer & IP Rights

Safran has committed to a 100% technology transfer, including manufacturing know-how for critical components. India will retain full intellectual property rights, enabling independent upgrades, servicing, and exports.

This engine will power the AMCA MK-II and twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy. The project is part of the India-France Horizon 2047 strategic roadmap and has the support of the Indian Prime Minister’s Office as a National Mission Mode Project.

India-France Horizon 2047

It is a strategic framework that strengthens bilateral ties by focusing on three key pillars essential for a robust diplomatic relationship:

1. Partnership for Security and Sovereignty – This pillar encompasses defence collaboration, counter-terrorism initiatives, a stable and sustainable Indo-Pacific region, advancements in space technology, multilateral cooperation, and progress in science, innovation, and academic exchange.
2. Partnership for the Planet – These concentrate on energy security, climate change mitigation, urban and ecological transitions, and enhancing trade and investment between the two nations.
3. Partnership for the People – This includes youth exchanges, cultural dialogue, and linguistic cooperation, fostering deeper people-to-people connections.

Joint development of a high thrust fighter engine is one more step in the further consolidation of India-France Horizon 2047 that will make this finetuned diplomatic relationship reach a 100 Years trust & support.

In the co-development of 5^th generation fighter engine, Indian private sector companies like Tata, L&T and Adani Defense will play an important role to set the manufacturing ecosystem. The schemes also include the Centre for Excellence in Gas Turbine Technology and an MRO facility for Rafale’s M88 engines in Hyderabad. M88 Engines are proven current platforms that energize the now operating Rafale Fighters worldwide including the ones being flown by IAF- Indian Air Force.

However, the new engine will be developed from scratch to meet the specific needs of the AMCA Mk2, including super cruise capability and stealth optimization. It will have with a new core, new afterburner section and new control systems. As per reports, GTRE of India, will retain full Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), a major shift from past collaborations. The engine will be manufactured in India, with complete technology transfer, including single-crystal blade tech.

This is a much-needed step for India to gradually reduce its dependence on foreign powers for air power. India has already gained valuable experience by developing its own fighter jet, the Tejas, which is currently in service with the Indian Air Force—though it is powered by an American GE aero-engine. Over time, India has grown increasingly frustrated with the slow and dispassionate pace of GE F404 engine deliveries from the United States.

Given that India has already developed the fighters like Tejas Mk1, Tejas Mk1A, and is now progressing toward the development of AMCA and TEDBF fighters, the only major gap has been the lack of an indigenous engine. Fortunately, that gap now appears to be just a few years away from being bridged. A bridge that is key to end the constraints of a smaller number of fighter squadrons that Indian Air Force wants to end once for all. India-France Horizon 2047 is on a way to craft the most successful, sustainable diplomatic ties and a beacon for multilateralism.