Safran Expands India Footprint with AMCA Engine & HAMMER Bomb Deal

Safran has markedly expanded its strategic footprint in India with two transformative agreements spanning fighter-jet propulsion and advanced weaponry manufacturing—moves that solidify France’s role in India’s ambitious defense sovereignty agenda under the “Make in India” framework.

The first agreement establishes a full joint development program between Safran and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to co-develop a new engine specifically for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s next-generation stealth fighter. The powerplant, designed to deliver 120 to 140 kilonewtons of thrust, represents a fundamental shift in India’s approach to indigenous aerospace capability.

Crucially, the partnership includes comprehensive technology transfer—including sensitive hot-section intellectual property such as turbine architecture and single-crystal blade manufacturing techniques. India will retain full intellectual property rights, enabling independent production, maintenance, and lifecycle upgrades without external reliance.

This collaboration marks a significant evolution from previous Safran-Hindustan Aeronautics Limited discussions about assembling Rafale M88 engines in India. The new partnership transcends component assembly, focusing instead on co-developing a purpose-built, clean-sheet powerplant tailored for India’s fighter fleet. Development is anticipated to span a decade or longer, with prototype engines expected by 2030 and serial production following in the early 2030s. Early AMCA prototypes will likely operate with interim engines, transitioning to the Indo-French powerplant in later production batches.

The timing proves advantageous, aligning with AMCA’s formal transition into execution phase in 2025. Propulsion sovereignty addresses historical vulnerabilities affecting earlier Indian aviation programs, where foreign supplier dependencies created operational constraints.

Simultaneously, Safran and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have established an evenly-split joint venture manufacturing AASM HAMMER modular precision-guided munitions in India. The partnership targets Indian Air Force and Navy requirements while progressively localizing up to 60% of production. The HAMMER, already integrated on India’s Rafale fleet, offers adaptable guidance and range-extension capabilities across multiple combat platforms.

Local production accelerates delivery timelines while providing India enhanced control over sustainment, integration, and future technological upgrades. These agreements underscore a broader strategic pattern: India is systematically embedding advanced propulsion and weapons technologies within its domestic industrial base to minimize external supplier dependence.

For France and Safran, the partnerships demonstrate deepening strategic commitment and unprecedented technology-sharing willingness—particularly significant given the sensitive nature of proprietary aeronautical knowledge. The timing coincides with reports that the Indian Air Force is pursuing direct government-to-government acquisition of up to 114 additional Rafale fighters, a decision that would further strengthen Franco-Indian industrial collaboration and underscore the expanded local sustainment and production infrastructure now required.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764248446383-997