France Offers Advanced Materials and Metallurgy Collaboration for AMCA Jet's 110kN Engine Development with India

In a significant boost to India's indigenous defence manufacturing ambitions, France has pledged its support for the development of a powerful 110kN engine destined for the nation's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

This collaborative effort will see France provide crucial technical expertise and support in the complex process of designing and building the advanced engine, which is expected to significantly enhance the AMCA's long-range strike capabilities.

The partnership extends beyond engine development, encompassing cooperation in advanced materials and metallurgy. These fields are fundamental to the production of critical components in both military and civilian engines.

This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity for Indian industries to gain expertise in advanced metallurgy, specifically in the intricate processes of forging and casting components vital for aircraft engines.

Mastering these technologies is essential for India to fully absorb and utilize the high-end technology involved in such joint ventures.

While France has committed to supporting the 110kN engine program, the final decision on which company will lead the engine's development for the AMCA 5th generation fighter remains pending.

India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is currently evaluating proposals from industry giants GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce, while also exploring the possibility of an entirely in-house development program.

The ultimate choice of engine developer carries significant implications for India's defence industry and its long-term strategic objectives. A successful outcome to this program would not only strengthen India's military might but also position the country as a key player in the global aerospace arena.

This development aligns with a broader trend of increasing defence cooperation between India and France. Recent reports indicate that France has also offered to collaborate on other critical defence technologies, including nuclear submarines and underwater drones, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.

 

[R. Singh]

Don't waste time and select engine development partner who offer 100% tech with IP rights ! Joint development of fighter jet engines and next gen fighter with France will be good for India !

 

[Sivbal]

Gas Turbine Research Establishment(GTRE): Till date India didn't produce even a commercial grade gas turbine engine for aviation. All we develop was a couple of Kaveri prototypes that is not even fit for using in IN ships to replace Ukrainian gas turbine power plants. With this experience at hand how come GTRE can evaluating proposals from Hi-Tech companies like GE, Rolls Royce, Safran etc... This is my doubt. I think the whole approach should be different. People here can clarify....I think it is high time for the government to form a consortium includes DPSUs and private sector which should overseen by PMO or any highest authority in the government.... so that any cutting edge technologies(if any 🙂) coming as a result of these kind of partnership should be absorbed and converted to actual defense products. Already we have seen examples in case of SU-30MKI AL-31FP engine tech transfer case. Till now nobody in the public know how much tech transfer has been done to HAL and whether they can produce the engine without Russian OEM's help.

 

[Muthu.Kumar]

Looks like France fully understood India's future aerospace potential and requirements much better than India itself and wants to do HEAVY inroads into the industry, using the gaps in the India's deal with GE.

Since India CAN'T AND WON'T bring up a fully and 100% indigenous 100+ kN (or even an 80+ kN) Kaveri, it should embrace Safran which offers a 100% TOT with absolutely no strings attached - as the money is much greener, lol.

 

[kunitesh]

GTRE consider in house development of this complex fighter engine ..not sure why we waste so much time in wishing something so ambitious like this..we should leverage this strategic partnership and willingness of France to share high end technology and quickly seal the engine deal and Rafale deal