France has offered India to co-develop the GE-414 engine deal with the United States ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Paris.
Reports said that the French Government has agreed to jointly work with the Indian counterparts to develop the twin-engine deck-based fighter for Indian aircraft carriers. Reportedly French Defence Major Safran will join to design, develop, test manufacture and certify the engine for powering the advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
The Indian government has not officially confirmed the deal officially but it is reportedly said that the technology offered by the French would be free from US International Trade in Arms Regulation and just like proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new 110-kilo newton engine will be made in India.
According to the reports, Defence Research and Development Organisation chief Dr Samir V Kamat has visited the engine factory in France and the R&D centre near Paris which was on the sidelines of the 2023 Paris Air Show. Reportedly the defence minister and NSA-led strategic dialogue were discussed with France regarding the engine proposal.
When will PM Narendra Modi visit Paris?
On the occasion of Bastille Day, PM Narendra Modi will be arriving in Paris a day before on July 13 afternoon. He will meet the French President for bilateral talks on the day of arrival.
Reportedly on July 14, in the Bastille Day fly-past, the Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter would take part in it.
What does the French engine deal offer?
The French offer reportedly consists of an entirely new engine, new components, new architecture, stealth compliance with comprehensive supply chains, and support manufacturing with an Indian base.
According to the reports, the cost of the jet engine contract is set to be very competitive per engine in US dollars. It is said that it will take 10 years from the date of signing for the entire process to be completed, from designing to certifying the constructed engine. Reportedly, a centre of excellence in gas turbine technology with comprehensive design and metallurgical precision software tools will also be established by Safran in India as part of the offer.
The Kaveri jet engine has been out of reach for the DRDO since 1996 because of problems with metallurgical equipment, rotating components, single crystal blade technology, and the high-pressure engine core. According to the French offer, it would reportedly maintain, repair, and overhaul (MRO) LEAP engines for the A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft as well as develop MRO for the M-88 engine, which powers the Rafale fighter in the facility that Safran would build in Hyderabad.
