India and France Launch Massive ₹61,000 Crore Deal to Develop Advanced Fighter Jet Engines

India and France have embarked on a groundbreaking defence collaboration valued at ₹61,000 crore to develop a state-of-the-art fighter jet engine generating 120 kilonewtons of thrust. This initiative is geared towards enhancing the performance of future combat aircraft platforms for the Indian Air Force.

Key Aspects of the Partnership

• Lead Partner: French aerospace giant Safran will spearhead the project and provide full technology transfer to Indian entities.
• Technology Transfer: Critical for India’s ambition to boost indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce foreign dependency.
• Joint Development Areas: Engine components, materials, manufacturing processes, and integration.
• Performance Goals: Higher thrust, improved fuel efficiency, longer operational life, enhanced speed, maneuverability and combat effectiveness.
• Economic Impact: Creation of thousands of skilled jobs and stimulation of aerospace innovation in India.

Strategic Significance

This ₹61,000 crore venture not only strengthens India’s self-reliance and modernisation ambitions but also marks a landmark in India-France defence relations. It is expected to:

1. Accelerate India’s development of indigenous fighter jet engines.
2. Enhance India’s strategic capabilities within the Indo-Pacific.
3. Open avenues for future joint ventures and exports in the global defence market.

The project will progress through prototype testing over the next few years, eventually moving into full-scale production. This collaboration exemplifies a significant leap forward in aerospace technology cooperation between the two nations.

Stay tuned for more updates on this pivotal defence partnership.

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