India examines Safran’s offer on Tejas engine amid strained ties with US

In the backdrop of India-US trade talks, Safran — a French manufacturer — has submitted a proposal to produce engine for Tejas Mk-2 fighter jets.

“Various parameters of the Safran proposal, its engines are being studied by the Defence Research and Development Organisation,” said sources, adding that no decision had been taken on the proposal so far.

Sources pointed out that this does not mean that General Electric’s F-414 engine had been junked.

The first flight of Tejas Mk-2 jet is slated in early 2026. The plane is a much-upgraded, more powerful version and a deadlier version of the Tejas Mk-1A – already under production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The sources said Safran had submitted a proposal for setting up an entire eco-system of manufacturing engine in India. The French giant has offered two produce two engines – one for the Tejas Mk-2 and the other for the next generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Safran already makes helicopter engines in collaboration with HAL, which have been used on more than 400 Advanced Light Helicopters.

Tejas Mk-2 was planned and designed around the specifications of the GE F-414 engine. A change of engine at this stage would entail a design change in the plane’s structure, as each engine has a different air-intake angle, thrust and power dynamics.

In July 2023, Delhi and Washington DC had announced to make the GE F-414 engine in India with transfer of technology (ToT). Discussions are on between the GE and HAL on terms of the ToT as it would need a nod from the US Administration.

India is separately facing a delay in supply of F-404 engines from the GE meant for the Tejas Mk-1A jets. Almost a dozen jets are ready at the HAL facility, but only three engines have been supplied by the GE, so far.

As a result, this has delayed supplies of the jets to Indian Air Force, which is battling dwindling combat strength.

On September 11, US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor had pushed for growing India-US military trade ties. He told the US Senate hearing “defence and security cooperation with India includes advancing co-development and co-production of defence systems and concluding critical defence sales”.

In August, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had announced that India would partner Safran to make jet engines domestically.