India's indigenous fighter jet engine programme has reached a significant milestone, with the proposed Safran–GTRE joint venture to develop a 120 kN turbofan engine awaiting approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). If approved, the programme will mark India's first fighter engine project with full domestic intellectual property ownership, representing a major step towards strategic self-reliance in military aviation.
The engine is being developed to power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and future combat aircraft programmes. The initial 120 kN variant will undergo prototype development and certification, while a more powerful 140 kN version is planned for future fifth- and sixth-generation fighter platforms.
The project is expected to provide India with access to critical propulsion technologies, including single-crystal turbine blades, high-temperature turbine materials, Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), and variable-geometry afterburner technology. These capabilities are essential for modern fighter engines, offering improved performance, fuel efficiency, and survivability in contested environments.
The programme complements India's broader combat aviation roadmap, alongside the development of the AMCA, Tejas Mk2, and future indigenous propulsion systems. While GE F404 and F414 engines will continue to power near-term aircraft programmes, the Safran–GTRE initiative is intended to establish an independent long-term engine development capability.On Date: