India is set to embark on a historic aerospace endeavour drawing on France’s Safran S.A. and DRDO’s engineering expertise. Under the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) programme, they will jointly develop a 120‑kilonewton fighter jet engine, a major leap in India’s strategic aerospace capabilities.
The design features full technology transfer to DRDO, including critical components like single‑crystal blade technology and key manufacturing processes. The goal is that India retains complete Intellectual Property Rights while building the engine domestically through DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment.
Timeline goals are ambitious: nine prototypes over twelve years, with an initial prototype expected around 2027, leading up to certification and full induction into service by the early‑to‑mid 2030s.The thrust class may grow beyond 120 kN in later Mk2 variants.
This collaboration is part of India’s broader push under Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers for critical defence technologies. Once operational, this engine will power India’s AMCA fighters and enhance its ability to design, build, and maintain advanced aircraft propulsion systems at home.
