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SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic development that underscores India’s growing clout in defense technology collaborations, the Indian defense sector has left both Safran of France and Rolls-Royce of the UK in a state of uncertainty regarding the co-development of the engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has yet to announce its choice of partner for this critical project.

The AMCA program, aimed at producing a 5th generation stealth fighter jet, is at the heart of India’s ambitions to achieve self-reliance in military aviation. The engine, a key component, is expected to deliver between 110-130kN of thrust, marking a significant leap in capability over current Indian fighter engines.

Safran has been notably aggressive in its approach, offering a complete transfer of technology (ToT), including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), for a new engine development. Their proposal includes not just technology transfer but also the potential for local manufacturing without export restrictions, positioning India to become self-sufficient in high-thrust engine production. Safran’s involvement in projects like the Rafale already gives them a foothold in the Indian market, which they are keen to leverage into a broader partnership.

On the other side, Rolls-Royce has promised to co-create intellectual property for a new fighter engine, emphasizing a partnership model where India would retain IPR for the engine’s development. Their experience with engines like the EJ200, which powers the Eurofighter Typhoon, and their recent engagements with Indian entities for commercial engines, underline their commitment to deepening their ties with India’s defense sector. Rolls-Royce has also been vocal about their readiness to aid India in becoming a hub for engine manufacturing.

Despite these compelling offers, GTRE has kept its cards close to its chest, leading both companies to remain in limbo. The decision has implications not just for the AMCA program but also for the future landscape of defense technology collaborations between India and these European powers. The suspense is partly due to India’s strategic evaluations, which include not only the technical merits of each proposal but also geopolitical considerations and the long-term benefits of technology transfer.

India’s approach reflects a nuanced strategy in defense procurement, aiming to maximize technological gain while fostering indigenous capabilities. This hesitation could be seen as a bargaining tactic, ensuring that both companies continue to sweeten their offers or as a thorough due diligence to ensure the best fit for India’s long-term defense needs.