In a major boost to India’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, French firm Safran has expressed its willingness for full Technology Transfer as far as the engine of the fighter jet is concerned.
Safran’s Senior Executive Vice President Alexandre Ziegler has said that France is ready to go the extra mile to support India for its indigenous weapons industry. Ziegler is a former French Ambassador to India.
In an interview to The Economic Times, Ziegler said that if India decides to cooperate with France in the development of an indigenous fighter jet engine, Safran is ready for full technology transfer.
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“The development of an indigenous fighter jet engine is a key factor for strategic autonomy. If India chooses to cooperate with France in this field, we will be delighted and honoured to make our contribution. We are ready to propose a full transfer of technology and know-how. That is the strength of our partnership,” Ziegler said.
India has been facing technological challenges in developing fighter jet engines with optimal thrust for its indigenous weapons program. Safran’s offer for full technology transfer would help India in fast-tracking its indigenous fighter jet projects.
Safran’s offer becomes more important as the Indian Air Force (IAF) has made it clear that the AMCA should have an indigenous engine after the first two squadrons.
Ziegler pointed out that Safran has been a major partner in the development of Indian aerospace for several decades and referred to the Vikas rocket engine as well as the Shakti engine that HAL has developed with Safran for Dhruv helicopters.
The former French ambassador to India asserted that Safran is in India for the long term and promised to further strengthen its partnership with private players.
