Before PM Modi's arrival, France proposes joint development of combat jet engines

Prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Paris, France, a close ally of India, has made a significant offer surpassing the groundbreaking GE-414 engine deal with the United States, according to informed sources.The Emmanuel Macron government has granted permission to defense major Safran to collaborate in the design, development, testing, manufacturing, and certification of an engine that will power India's advanced multi-role combat aircraft (AMCA) and the deck-based fighter for Indian aircraft carriers.

Although the government has kept details of the deal under wraps, reliable sources have confirmed that the 100% transfer of technology provided by French Safran is exempt from US International Trade in Arms Regulation (ITAR), and the proposed 110-kilowatt engine will be entirely "Made in India." Recently, Dr. Samir V Kamat, the chief of DRDO, paid a special visit to the Safran engine factory and the R&D center near Paris during the 2023 Paris Air Show. The engine proposal has been a topic of discussion during strategic dialogues led by the defense minister and NSA with France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Paris on July 13 to attend Bastille Day celebrations and hold bilateral talks with President Macron. The Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter will also participate in the Bastille Day fly-past on July 14. The French offer encompasses a completely new engine, new materials, new architecture, stealth compliance, full supply chains, and ancillary manufacturing based in India. While the price of the jet engine deal will be highly competitive in US dollars per engine, the entire process from design to certification of the manufactured engine will take 10 years from the signing date.

The offer also involves Safran establishing a center of excellence in gas turbine technology in India, equipped with design and metallurgical precision software tools. Despite the DRDO's efforts since 1996, they faced challenges in delivering the Kaveri jet engine due to issues with metallurgical tools, rotating parts, single crystal blade technology, and high-pressure engine core. The French offer aligns with Safran's facility in Hyderabad, which will handle repair and overhaul (MRO) of LEAP engines for A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft and will also serve as an MRO for the M-88 engine that powers the Rafale fighter. Air India alone requires approximately 800 LEAP engines for its significant aircraft purchase from Airbus and Boeing. It is understood that Safran's offer covers the complete hot section of the engine, including rotating parts, crucial single crystal blade technology, and high-pressure compressors.

While the existing Rafale fighter with the IAF operates on an M-88 engine with a thrust of 75-80 kilowatts, the French offer, in collaboration with Indian defense PSUs and local private players, will produce a higher-thrust engine as required for the AMCA or TEDBF developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO. Safran is already working on a 125-kilowatt engine for the French next-generation fighter. Safran engines are currently used in HAL-made helicopters, and the two companies are reportedly planning to jointly develop engines for Indian multi-role helicopters.

Safran has also established sourcing in India for engine parts for LEAP and M-88 at its own facilities and ancillary units, such as a Lucknow-based company producing titanium alloy parts for LEAP and Rafale engines. Although the investment in the entire process, from design to flight, involves several billion euros, the French claim that their offer is highly competitive by international standards, and its advantage lies in creating a comprehensive 360-degree capability and full ownership of engine technology by India.