/startuppedia/media/member_avatars/2025/10/08/2025-10-08t101732640z-whatsapp-image-2024-01-05-at-154243_53e78ff5-2025-10-08-15-47-33.jpg )
/startuppedia/media/media_files/2025/11/28/web-5-2025-11-28-17-11-22.png)
Safran CEO confirms full technology transfer to India for DRDO’s 5th Gen AMCA fighter jet engine
French aerospace major Safran has agreed to provide full technology transfer for the engine of India’s upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, said that the hot section and other important parts will be shared. This will allow India to develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Safran’s Full Technology Transfer and India’s AMCA Project
Safran’s agreement is a major step for defense cooperation. The 120-140 kN engine will power India’s twin-engine AMCA fighter jet.
The jet will be designed by DRDO with an engine co-developed by Safran+GTRE, and manufactured by Indian private sector partners including Tata Advanced Systems, L&T, and Adani Defence.
The government is expected to soon announce a joint venture with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a DRDO unit, which will cost around $7 billion.
CEO Olivier Andriès said, “It's a complete transfer of technologies. We along with the DRDO are basically going to develop a new engine together in India. This is unique because no one else has made that offer.”
The deal includes the hot section of the engine. This part contains turbines, compressors, high-temperature materials, and combustion chambers. India will have full intellectual property rights (IPR). This will allow the country to upgrade and make new engines in the future without outside help.
The plan is to build nine prototypes over the next 12 years. The thrust will range from 120 kN to 140 kN to support supercruise, thrust vectoring, and stealth features. The engine is designed to fit the same size as the GE F414, used in Tejas Mk2 prototypes. This will make it easier to integrate and maintain for the Indian Air Force and Navy.
Impact of Safran’s Technology Transfer on India’s Defense Sector
The technology transfer from Safran is expected to change India’s defense and aerospace abilities. India had difficulties making engines before, with Project Kaveri not reaching the required thrust.
This deal lets India make its own high-thrust, high-efficiency combat engines. These engines can be used in fighter jets, UAVs, UCAVs, and even marine or transport aircraft.
Security expert Dinakar Peri of Carnegie India said, “If indeed the deal brings in 100% ToT, India should make a roadmap to fully absorb the technologies and expertise that would flow in through the agreement to master the cycle and also upgrade the domestic aerospace ecosystem.”
The project will also help India’s industrial and technological growth. With local manufacturing and full IPR, India can maintain, upgrade, and produce engines at home. This reduces dependence on imports, cuts costs, and creates high-value jobs.
About Safran and Its Role in India’s Aerospace Growth
Safran is a global company in aerospace, defense, and security. It recently opened India’s first maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad.
The facility can service Leap engines used in Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 Max aircraft. It supports India’s effort to improve local aerospace maintenance and strengthen the supply chain.
“We have agreed to that after getting a green light from the French government. I want to say that we stand ready to both develop and make in India,” said CEO Olivier Andriès.
Safran is also working with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to produce air-to-ground weapons.
This agreement is an important step for India’s defense. With full technology transfer and IPR, India can make future engines, strengthen its defense, and become more independent in aerospace technology.