Tech Desk: French aerospace giant Safran has put forward an ambitious proposal for co-developing India’s crucial 120kN-class AMCA Mk2 engine, aiming to power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft’s future variant. The suggested framework mirrors the successful ‘Aravalli’ helicopter engine partnership, envisioning a 50-50 split in design and engineering responsibilities between Indian and French teams.

This collaborative model, highlighted by Safran India CEO Jetendra Gavankar at DEFCON 2026, would ensure the entire engine is integrated, manufactured, and certified within India once initial development phases are complete. This approach, already in motion for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) engine via the SAFHAL joint venture, promises significant technology transfer and full intellectual property ownership for India.

Developing a high-thrust turbofan for a stealth fighter like the AMCA Mk2 presents an immense technological challenge, far surpassing the complexity of the Aravalli turboshaft. It demands mastery of critical components such as high-pressure turbines and advanced cooling systems, capabilities currently held by only a handful of nations. If successful, this project would mark a monumental leap for India’s indigenous defence manufacturing prowess, solidifying its strategic autonomy in advanced aerospace technology.