They are offering to develop a fully made-in-India engine for the Tejas Mark 2 fighter jet. This means that the US GEF engine contract is now in grave danger. This move has caught the US off guard and given France a chance to secretly make a major comeback.
Donald Trump repeatedly says, "I've got all the cards." But now the world is seeing that India has played its true trump card. The news is that India has begun seriously considering an offer from France's Safran company to manufacture a completely Made in India engine for the Tejas Mark 2 fighter jet. This means that the US GEF engine contract is now in grave danger. This move has taken the US by surprise and given France the opportunity to secretly make a major comeback.
Let us tell you that French aerospace giant Safran has offered the Indian government and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to develop an entirely new engine for the Tejas Mark 2, with its entire manufacturing facility located in India. Furthermore, Safran has clearly stated that it will also provide technology transfer, meaning India can acquire the engine's entire core technology, a technology that the US has not been able to easily transfer to anyone. It should be noted that Safran is already working with India. A project is underway with DRDO-GTRE to develop a next-generation 120 kN engine.
Media reports also stated that this does not signal the cancellation of the existing MoU signed in 2023 for co-production of GE F414 engines with 80% technology transfer, although commercial negotiations are ongoing until September 2025, and no final signed deal or specified price for the 99 engines has yet been confirmed. Defence officials said Safran's proposal is being reviewed in the context of broader India-US trade talks. US export control and certification issues have created tensions, impacting the timely induction of Tejas Mk-1A jets into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Indian Air Force, facing a shortage of fighter squadrons, aims to induct 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft under a ₹48,000 crore contract with HAL. Based on successful weapon tests, the first two upgraded Mk-1A jets are expected to arrive next month. Meanwhile, Safran's initiatives will further strengthen its existing presence in India, including plans to establish an MRO facility for Rafale engines in Hyderabad by 2026, creating 150 jobs. This is in line with India's co-development efforts, as seen in previous collaborations such as the Shakti helicopter engine.
PC: Prabha Sakshi
