The dynamic collaboration between India and France to design and produce an engine for India’s fifth-generation fighter jet takes center stage in diplomatic dialogues. Jawed Ashraf, India’s envoy to France, disclosed ongoing discussions between Safran and India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). This joint endeavour is set to propel the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), marking a significant milestone in India’s aerospace development.
At a special briefing in New Delhi on Friday (Jan 26, 2024) Jawed Ashraf, the Indian envoy to France, in response to a media query, Ashraf highlighted that the scope of these discussions goes beyond conventional manufacturing agreements.
Ashraf underscored that these talks transcend traditional manufacturing agreements, emphasizing an extensive transfer of technology (ToT). Safran, the French aerospace giant, has pledged a noteworthy commitment, offering a complete 100 percent transfer of technology covering design, development, certification, and production.
However, he acknowledged the complexities of the subject, emphasizing the need for alignment with India’s future fighter jet requirements. This collaborative initiative is an integral part of the Defense Industrial Roadmap, a strategic agreement inked in the presence of the leaders of both nations on Thursday (Jan 25).
The genesis of this collaboration traces back to July 2023, when India and France decided to bolster their defense cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies. Financial Express Online has reported previously that this commitment extended to joint efforts in developing a combat aircraft engine and supporting industrial cooperation for heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) program, with a focus on Safran Helicopter Engines.
The official announcement followed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
In April 2023, Safran’s Chairman, Ross McInnes, engaged in talks with PM Modi, exploring technological partnerships in defense and space. Subsequently, Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) formalized a workshare agreement for the joint development of the engine intended for the future Indian MultiRole Helicopter (IMRH).
This collaborative effort signifies a significant stride in the advancement of aeronautical technologies and serves as a testament to the strengthening defense ties between India and France. Safran’s extensive expertise in aircraft engines aligns seamlessly with India’s ambitious pursuit of a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet. The partnership not only addresses the immediate project but also contributes to the broader landscape of Indo-French defense collaboration.