The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has signed a significant partnership with Safran to co-develop a clean-sheet 5th generation jet engine, featuring full Indian Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over the technology. Valued at approximately $7 billion, this project will deliver a high-thrust, fuel-efficient engine capable of supercruise, which will power India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MK-2 and enhance its operational capabilities. The collaboration emphasizes India’s strategic autonomy in defense manufacturing, reinforcing the “Make in India” initiative by establishing a comprehensive domestic engine ecosystem. The project is expected to culminate in prototype testing by 2028 and full production by 2035, marking a transformative advance in India’s aerospace capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.