In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is moving to secure funding from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the development of a 120-kilonewton thrust engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, in partnership with French aerospace firm Safran. This collaboration aims for a complete transfer of technology, fostering self-reliance in military aviation with an estimated investment of $7 billion. The AMCA, India’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, will eventually utilize these indigenous engines, enhancing its capabilities for air superiority and deep-strike missions. Safran India has committed to the challenging task of integrating the new engine into existing airframes, like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, which will streamline upgrades without the need for entirely new designs. This approach not only emphasizes India’s strategic need for rapid enhancement of its defense fleet but also aligns with the Make in India initiative by fostering local manufacturing and technical expertise. Despite historical concerns over delays in technology transfer, the partnership establishes a robust framework aimed at fostering accountability, ensuring timely delivery, and enhancing India’s aerospace ecosystem, ultimately reinforcing India’s position in global defense technology.