India, France Join Hands to Develop Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet Engine Amid US Tensions

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): After the decision of US President Donald Trump to impose heavy tariffs on India, tensions are being seen in the relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, India has taken a big step. India is now working with France on a plan to make an indigenous fifth generation stealth fighter jet engine.

According to information, in the coming time, DRDO will send this project to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval. According to the Times of India report, French aerospace company Safran will transfer 100 percent technology to India under this project. Both the countries will together manufacture an engine with 120 kilonewton thrust in India. DRDO has approved this proposal. Safran has earlier also cooperated in manufacturing helicopter engines in India.

DRDO says that this engine will be suitable for India's upcoming fifth generation fighter aircraft AMCA. DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) will also be involved in this project. It is estimated that the total cost of this project will be around seven billion dollars.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given the green signal to this project. He said that it is important for India to move forward towards manufacturing indigenous fifth generation fighter aircraft. It is worth noting that recently the Air Force had written a letter to the Ministry of Defence raising the issue of shortage of aircraft. It was said in the letter that many aircraft are going to retire in the coming years and modern aircraft will be needed in their place.

This move by India and France is likely to give a new impetus to the strategic partnership between the two countries. At the same time, this decision is being considered a big signal to the US, especially at a time when it is putting trade pressure on India.