New Delhi: French aerospace company Safran has proposed a joint development approach for the 120kN-class fighter engine planned for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2, drawing on the co-development model being used for the Aravalli helicopter engine.
Safran India CEO and Country Head Jetendra Gavankar, speaking at DEFCON 2026, indicated that the partnership structure developed for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) engine could provide a framework for future cooperation on the AMCA powerplant.
Under the proposed arrangement, Indian and French engineers could share design and development responsibilities on a 50:50 basis. The completed engine would then be integrated, manufactured and certified in India, supporting the country’s goal of developing greater domestic capability in advanced aircraft propulsion.
The model follows the partnership established between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines for the Aravalli turboshaft engine. Their 50:50 joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., is developing the engine with responsibilities spanning design, manufacturing and lifecycle support.
India requires a new high-thrust turbofan in the 110kN-120kN range for the AMCA Mk2. The initial AMCA variant is expected to use the American GE F414 engine, while the Mk2 is planned around a more powerful propulsion system.
Safran has previously been linked with discussions involving India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) for co-developing the engine, including technology transfer and domestic intellectual property ownership. However, no final contract or joint venture for the AMCA engine has been announced.
Developing a high-thrust fighter engine remains a major technological challenge, involving advanced technologies in areas such as turbines, combustion, cooling and afterburning. A successful programme could significantly strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities.
