Report: India and France to develop Fifth-Gen fighter engine

India and France could conclude a joint fighter engine development deal in a couple of months, The Hindu revealed, citing sources.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to French Defense Minister Florence Parly about the deal in a visit to Paris last week, according to an unnamed defense official cited by the outlet.

The deal will see India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and French engine maker Safran collaborate to develop a 125KN (Kilonewton) engine for India’s first indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is under development.

The engine will power the Mk2 — the AMCA’s second version — with the first version powered by a GE414 engine.

The Safran-Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-developed Kaveri engine already powers the country’s indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter.