Update: Discussions for Indo-French AMCA engine in progress

Talks are in progress between Safran and India for the joint development of a new 110 kN engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. (Janes/Akhil Kadidal)

India's talks with French engine manufacturer Safran for the co-development of a new engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has become protracted because of continuing discussions over crucial points, Janes has learnt.

The French company has submitted a proposal to India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) to co-develop a new 110 kN thrust engine. The engine is to be developed with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

A DRDO source told Janes that discussions over the joint development are in progress. Janes has learnt that points in the talks include developmental costs, transfer of technology (ToT), intellectual property, and export rights following development of the engine.

According to a second DRDO official, the MoD is also assessing options from other engine manufacturers. “This project can only proceed with an international partner. We are also looking at what other engine manufacturers are offering,” the official told Janes.

Safran officials met India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 5 July, to discuss their projects in India.

“Our meeting with the defence minister involved updating him about our plans in India,” Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines told Janes on 8 July. “We want to grow our activity on the military side in India – of course, we talked about the Rafale. We discussed the long-term future about what we can do in India when it comes to military engines,” Alary added.