IAF May Get Indigenous Jet Engine For Its 5th Gen Fighter Aircraft As DRDO Plans Big Move Under Rafale Offset

India may finally get its first indigenous jet engine which may power the country's fifth generation advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA).

As per an Economic Times report, the DRDO is planning a new fighter jet engine complex under the offset clause of the Rafale fighter deal with France.

DRDO is said to be in advanced discussions to build a brand new a 110 kilo newton engine for India's future fighter jets, which will be able to power the future class of advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA). The engine may be ready seven years after development begins.

This plan to power India's 5th generation fighter jet with an indigenous engine is in line with the Indian Air Force's (IAF) demand to ensure self-reliance.

French jet engine manufacturer Safran has reportedly agreed to provide a complete technology transfer to aid the engine development. The engine complex planned by DRDO will cater to high-end fighter jet engines.

Safran is also tying up with HAL to provide the technology for high thrust engine manufacturing.

"We are signing an agreement related to the technology needed for high thrust engine manufacturing. The technology will be common to the Rafale engines that can be supported by us and would also be useful for the 110 kn engine project", the HAL Chairman R Madhavan has been quoted as saying.