India to manufacture 5th-generation fighter jets with Safran

Why in News?

• On 22 August 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India and France’s Safran will jointly manufacture advanced jet engines for fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Key Facts

• Partners → Safran (France) + DRDO (India).
• Goal → Co-develop a fifth-generation fighter jet engine.
• Timeline → Prototype expected in 10–12 years.
• Significance for India:
  • Major technological boost in aerospace and defence indigenisation.
  • Complements India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
  • Engines to be used in indigenously developed fighter jets.
  • Reduces dependency on imported engines .
• Strategic Context:
  • Aligns with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in defence.
  • Strengthens India–France defence partnership (building on Rafale deal, Scorpène submarines, space & nuclear cooperation).