New Delhi: India AMCA Mk2 engine development could receive a major boost as French aerospace company Safran has proposed an “Aravalli-style” co-development model for India’s future 120kN fighter jet engine. The proposal aims to jointly design and develop the engine that will power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2, India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. According to statements made by Safran officials, the model would follow the same collaborative approach recently adopted for the Aravalli helicopter engine programme, with Indian and French teams sharing responsibilities equally.
What Is Safran’s New Proposal For The AMCA Mk2 Engine
Safran has proposed a 50:50 partnership model for the development of a new 120kN-class turbofan engine intended for the AMCA Mk2 fighter aircraft. Under this framework, Indian and French engineers would jointly handle design, engineering, development, and technology integration.
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The proposal was discussed during DEFCON 2026 by Safran India leadership. The company believes the successful Aravalli helicopter engine programme can serve as a blueprint for the AMCA engine project.
What Is The Aravalli Engine Model
The Aravalli engine is being developed through collaboration between India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines. The project involves shared design responsibilities and manufacturing participation from both countries.
Focus On Technology Sharing
The model emphasizes technology transfer, local manufacturing, and long-term industrial cooperation. Safran now wants to apply a similar framework to India’s next-generation fighter engine programme.
Why Does India Need A New 120kN AMCA Mk2 Engine
The AMCA is India’s planned fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. While early versions are expected to use existing engines, the more advanced AMCA Mk2 variant requires a powerful indigenous engine producing between 110kN and 120kN thrust.
Enhancing Strategic Independence
Developing a domestic high-thrust fighter engine would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen India’s aerospace capabilities. Defence experts consider engine technology one of the most complex areas of military aviation.
How Would The Partnership Work
According to Safran’s proposal, Indian and French teams would share design and development work equally. After development is completed, manufacturing, integration, certification, and lifecycle support could largely take place in India.
Intellectual Property And Technology Transfer
Reports indicate that discussions include extensive technology transfer and greater Indian ownership of the resulting technology. Such provisions could help India build expertise for future indigenous engine programmes.
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FAQs
Safran has proposed a 50:50 co-development partnership with India to jointly design, develop, and manufacture the AMCA Mk2 engine using a model similar to the Aravalli helicopter engine programme.
The AMCA Mk2 engine is a planned 120kN-class turbofan engine that will power the advanced version of India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The 120kN engine will provide the higher thrust needed for the AMCA Mk2 stealth fighter and help India develop critical indigenous jet engine technology.
