India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program has crossed a significant milestone with the selection of France’s Safran, in partnership with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), to co-develop a next-generation 110–120 kN class turbofan engine using the core of the French Next Generation Fighter (NGF) demonstrator. The decision, finalized after months of government-level talks, gives India access to cutting-edge propulsion technology vital for AMCA MkII’s stealth and supercruise capabilities, with full technology transfer and joint intellectual property rights. The NGF engine, currently tailored for the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and expected to fly in a demonstrator by 2029 for FCAS, is designed to deliver high thrust-to-weight ratios and low thermal signatures, making it more powerful and compact than the Rafale’s M88 engine. Ground trials for the Indian variant could begin by 2030, keeping AMCA’s prototype rollout on track for 2028 and full-scale production by 2035. This collaboration not only boosts India’s aerospace self-reliance but also cements France as India’s primary strategic engine partner amidst accelerating global fighter technology races.