French company Safran will make engines for India’s fifth-generation AMCA jet, which will challenge the F-35 and SU-57.
India has taken another big step towards self-reliance in the defense sector. The country is now fully active in the manufacture of its fifth-generation fighter aircraft, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). The biggest achievement is that now its engine will also be manufactured in India. For this, India has signed an agreement with France’s leading aero-engine manufacturer Safran.
This agreement is not just an engine manufacturing agreement, but it has the potential to completely change the future of India’s Air Force and its position in global air power. If everything goes as planned, then in the coming years, India will be included in the list of select countries of the world, which will have their own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet and its indigenous engine.
India’s Big Leap: AMCA Program
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are jointly leading this ambitious project. Private companies will also participate in it, due to which it is being developed in a “public-private partnership model”.
The aim of AMCA is not only to make India self-reliant but also to put it at par with countries like America, Russia, and China technologically in future air battles.
Key features of AMCA
1. Weight and capacity
The total weight of AMCA will be around 25 tonnes.
Its internal fuel capacity will be around 6.5 tonnes.
This capacity will give it the power to fly long distances without additional fuel tanks.
2. Engine and power
This twin-engine aircraft will have supercruise capability.
Supercruise means that it will be able to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburner.
This technology will not only make the aircraft faster, but will also save fuel and fly long distances.
3. Stealth technology
The design of the aircraft will be such that it will be extremely difficult to detect it on enemy radar.
It will have an internal weapon bay to carry weapons, which will reduce the radar cross-section of the aircraft.
4. Avionics and sensor fusion
This aircraft will be equipped with next-generation avionics systems.
Through sensor fusion technology, the pilot will get integrated and clear information, which will make it easier to make decisions in the war zone.
5. Multi-role capability
AMCA will not be limited to just air combat.
It will also be capable of deep attack, air defense, surveillance, electronic warfare, and attack on ground targets.
Why is the partnership with Safran important?
India has long been dependent on foreign engines for its fighter aircraft. For example:
Russian engines are used in the Sukhoi-30 MKI.
Tejas LCA is fitted with engines of the American company General Electric (GE).
Even modern aircraft like the Rafale are fitted with the M88 engine of France.
This dependence has always affected India’s strategic independence. Many times, delays in the transfer of spare parts or technology affected defense preparedness.
Now that India will manufacture the engine in India in collaboration with a leading company like Safran, it will not only increase self-reliance but also make India a potential exporter of engine technology in the future.
Cost and investment
The Indian government has already given an initial approval of about Rs 15,000 crore for this project. This investment will be used in the development, testing, and production of AMCA.
Experts believe that at this cost, India will be able to build a fighter aircraft whose features will be comparable to America’s F-35 and Russia’s Su-57.
Challenge to F-35 and Su-57
The American F-35
It is considered the world’s most advanced stealth fighter.
Sensor fusion and network-centric warfare capabilities are its greatest strengths.
Its biggest criticism is its excessive cost.
Russian Su-57
Russia’s first fifth-generation stealth aircraft.
Known for high maneuverability and powerful weapon systems.
However, limited production numbers and technical challenges hold it back.
Possible edge of AMCA
If Safran’s high-thrust engine and India’s stealth design technology are successful, the AMCA will cost less than the F-35.
Technically, it can become a more reliable option than the Su-57 and a cheaper option than the F-35.
This is why experts are calling it the “game-changer” of the future.
India’s strategic advantage
1. Self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat)
With engine manufacturing in India, the country will be free from foreign dependence.
2. Export potential
Many countries are looking for a cheap but modern stealth fighter.
AMCA can fill that gap, and India can become a defense exporter.
3. Regional power balance
India’s air capability will increase manifold compared to Pakistan and China.
Especially, India will get an effective answer to China’s J-20 stealth jet.
Recent background
After the Pahalgam terror attack in April, India launched Operation Sindoor. It aimed to give priority to the modernization of the Air Force and indigenous defense production. The AMCA program and the engine manufacturing deal with Safran are part of the same strategy.
Development Phases of AMCA
1. Design and Research (2010-2020)
Over the past decade, ADA and DRDO have worked on the concept and design of AMCA.
2. Prototype phase (2024-2028)
In the coming years, prototypes of the AMCA will be built and flight tests will be conducted.
3. Production phase (after 2030)
If everything goes as planned, the AMCA could join the Indian Air Force in the early 2030s.
Safran’s expertise
Safran is the company that made the M88 engine for the Rafale jet.
This company is also known globally for manufacturing engines for helicopters, missiles, and various aircraft.
Now it will work with India to make a high-thrust engine that will be able to deliver a power of 110-130 kilo Newtons.
Picture of the future
If this project of India is successful, then its results will be as follows:
1. India will join the few powers in the world that will have a fifth-generation stealth fighter and its indigenous engine.
2. The combat capability of the Indian Air Force will increase manifold.
3. India can also become a big player in the export of defense technology.
4. This will be a historic achievement in the direction of “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat“.
Conclusion
By announcing the manufacture of the engine of the fifth-generation AMCA jet in partnership with Safran, India has given a message to the world that it is now moving towards self-reliance in defense technology as well.
This project is not limited to making only a fighter jet, but it will take India’s strategic independence, defense power, and global reputation to new heights.
Experts believe that if AMCA comes out on time with its capabilities, it will definitely challenge fighter jets like the American F-35 and Russian Su-57. Also, due to low cost and high technology, it will open a new way for India in the global defense market.
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