By Kritika Gangwar
After Prime Minister Modi’s speech on independence day in which he talked about development of jet engines, the government of India will go ahead with a project combining French Safran (S.A) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop jet engines.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at a conclave said that India will begin developing its own indigenous fighter jet engines. These engines will power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the country’s upcoming fifth generation fighter jet.
The alliance will build nine prototypes in 12 years. The first version will generate 120 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, with the goal reaching 140 kN in later stages.
Under Indian Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) with Safran, the jet engines are to be developed soon and are set to transfer 100% of the technology to DRDO, including the crucial single crystal blade technology, according to sources familiar with the matter.
These blades are made from super alloys and constructed as a single crystal, are critical components in jet engines. They offer efficiency, durability, and the ability to withstand extreme heat and stress.
While DRDO already possesses this technology, adapting and refining it for use in high thrust fighter jet engines remains a significantly more complex challenge.
The long pending proposal for indigenous fighter jet engine development has gained fresh momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Defence Research Organisation (DRDO) to formally submit it. The project, which has been awaiting clearance for nearly two years, is now expected to move forward.
The proposed 120-140 kN thrust class engine is slated to power the twin engine Advanced Multi Role Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s next generation stealth fighter. The aircraft will be developed and manufactured by the Indian private sector, with major defense firms such as Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Adani Defence preparing to compete for the contract.
Prime Minister Modi has underlined the importance of building an indigenous fighter jet engine, describing it as a critical defense technology with wide ranging civilian spin offs. The move aligns with the government’s broader push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.