Safran: The last hurdle of ToT resolved, India gets a huge boost
The deal between India and France for the co-development of a fighter jet engine is a watershed moment in global defense geopolitics. It represents the final frontier of Indian defense indigenization—mastering the “hot section” of a jet engine—which has eluded Indian scientists for decades.
This agreement, primarily between India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and France’s Safran, goes beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship. It is a 100% Transfer of Technology (ToT) pact[1], meaning France will teach India how to build these engines from scratch, including the critical metallurgy for turbine blades that must withstand temperatures higher than their own melting point [2].
Why is this a “Big Deal”?
For India:
- Strategic Autonomy: India currently relies on American (GE) engines for its Tejas fighters. While the US is a partner, full autonomy requires owning the Intellectual Property (IP). This deal ensures no future sanctions can ground the Indian Air Force [3].
- The “Kaveri” Redemption: India’s indigenous “Kaveri” engine project struggled for 30 years to generate sufficient thrust. This deal fixes that gap, providing a high-powered 110-130kN engine for the upcoming 5th-generation AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) [4].
- Industrial Ecosystem: It helps build a local supply chain (Tata, Godrej, HAL) that can eventually export engines, moving India from the world’s largest arms importer to a key exporter [3].
For France:
- Long-term Revenue: The deal is estimated at over $7 billion (approx. ₹60,000 Crore). It locks in the Indian Air Force as a customer for 40+ years of maintenance and upgrades [2].
- Strategic Hedge: France cements itself as India’s most reliable “all-weather” defense partner, distinct from the US (which often has strict end-use monitoring) and Russia (which is facing supply chain issues).
- Market Access: Safran gets access to the booming Indian aerospace market, including civilian maintenance (MRO) facilities.
References:
[1] Safran agrees for full technology transfer for fighter jet engine to India – Nov 26, 2025, economictimes.indiatimes.com
[2] A clean-sheet engine for AMCA: Safran agrees unprecedented tech transfer to India – November 26, 2025, aerospaceglobalnews
[3] “Hyped-Up” GE Or French Safran: Which Engines Will Power India’s Indigenous Fighter Jets? – November 10, 2025, eurasiantimes.com
[4] What is ‘Fund Kaveri Engine’? All about DRDO project – November 28, 2025, livemint
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