Safran to Develop Engines for India’s Next-Generation AMCA Fighter Jet

France’s Safran has been selected to develop the engine for India’s next-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet under development by the Indian Ministry of Defence.

According to The Economic Times, Safran will build a 120-kilonewton (kN) turbojet engine for the AMCA, with the first test flight scheduled for 2028.

The contract is valued at €6.7 billion and includes the production of five prototype engines by 2027.

These will undergo extensive testing to validate and refine their technical specifications.

India is expected to require more than 250 engines to equip both the Indian Air Force and naval aviation units.

Under the current timeline, flight testing with the new engine will begin in 2028, with certification and serial production planned for 2032 and 2035, respectively.

India’s decision to partner with Safran reflects a trend of defense cooperation between the two countries. France has become a key supplier of modern combat aircraft to India, including Rafale fighter jets for both air force and carrier-based operations.

France also plays a role in India’s submarine fleet, which includes Scorpène-class diesel-electric submarines built with French assistance.

The AMCA program was launched in 2008 but experienced delays due to funding and planning hurdles. While India has not officially confirmed an in-service date, current projections suggest 2035. However, retired test pilot Sanjiv Kumar told Defense News that 2040 or later may be a more realistic estimate.