Amid US delays, India eyes partnership with France for Tejas Mark 2 fighter jets
With the United States delaying engine deliveries for India's advanced fighter aircraft programmes, New Delhi is actively exploring an alternative partnership with French aerospace company Safran. The move is aimed at powering the next-generation Tejas Mark 2 and the upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), with more powerful and locally developed engines.Officials familiar with the development have confirmed that Safran has submitted formal proposals to India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to collaborate on developing advanced jet engines for both fighter platforms.advertisementCurrently, the Tejas Mark 2 programme is tied to the American GE F414 engine, which offers 98 kN of thrust. GE and HAL have signed a technology transfer agreement under which 80% of the engine will be manufactured in India. However, delays in supply and rising costs have slowed progress, prompting India to consider alternatives.
Safran has now emerged as a strong contender, offering a 110 kN thrust engine for the Tejas Mk-2. This engine is expected to enhance the aircraft's speed, payload capacity and endurance.The Tejas Mk-2, being jointly developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL, is designed to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 fleets. The aircraft will come equipped with modern radar, an infrared tracking system, and Indian-origin weapons such as the Astra missile and BrahMos-NG.advertisementIn addition to the Mk-2 engine, Safran has also proposed a 120 kN high-thrust engine for the twin-engine configuration of the AMCA. This engine will be critical for the stealth fighter's performance and advanced capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday that India is targeting the development of five AMCA prototypes by 2029.Safran already collaborates with HAL on helicopter engine projects. If the new proposals move forward, the partnership could play a pivotal role not just in the Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA programs, but also in shaping the future of indigenous jet engine manufacturing in India. The collaboration may also come with Transfer of Technology (ToT) provisions, which would further boost India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
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