India has entered into a historic $7 billion agreement with France to jointly develop and manufacture advanced jet engines for its upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Spearheaded by DRDO and French aerospace giant Safran, the deal includes full transfer of technology and aims to domestically produce powerful 120-kilonewton engines in India’s aerospace facilities.
The two countries are now preparing to seek final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security to begin implementing the strategic project. India’s defense leadership describes this collaboration as a major leap toward defense self-reliance—part of the broader Horizon 2047 vision—and a significant boost in strategic ties between India and France.
