India and France launch 7 billion dollar project: joint engine for fifth-generation fighter

AMCA will get a new engine — and a new chance

India is taking a decisive step towards its own fifth-generation fighter jet. According to sources, the country is preparing to launch a large-scale partnership with France for the joint development and production of a jet engine for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project is estimated at $7 billion and will be one of the most ambitious in the history of the Indian defense industry.

So far, AMCA has been in the shadows — a good plan, but the main thing was missing: an engine that could provide supersonic sound without afterburners, low visibility and sufficient thrust. Now, it seems, this gap will begin to close.

Why France, and not your own?

India has been trying to create its own engine for a long time, for example, the Kaveri project. But technologies of this level stubbornly resist. An engine is not just metal and blades. These are materials that keep the temperature above the melting point of steel, these are control, cooling, and reliability systems. All this requires decades of experience.

France, through Safran, offers this experience. They already have developments on engines for the Rafale, and now they are working on a power plant for their own sixth-generation fighter. This is exactly the level that India is still far from reaching. Instead of treading on the same rake for years, it is more logical to take the hand of someone who has already walked the path.

Safran and DRDO: how the union works

The project is based on a deep division of labor. Safran, as the leader, will take over the key technologies: compressors, combustion chamber, control system. DRDO and Indian companies — production, localization, assembly, and in the future — modernization and development.

It is important that we are not talking about buying a ready-made engine, but about joint development. This means that India will have access to know-how, will be able to adapt the engine to its needs and enter its own production in the future. This is not a footboard, but a ladder.

More than an engine: a strategy for independence

India has a long—standing dream to stop depending on arms purchases. Today, it is one of the largest importers: Russian fighter jets, Israeli radars, and American helicopters. This is not only expensive, but also dangerous — when the policy changes, supplies can freeze.

Creating an AMCA with a collaborative engine is an attempt to break out of this addiction. Yes, first with the help of France. But the goal is that in 15-20 years, the next generation of fighter jets will be completely made in India. And this engine will become the foundation.

What does this mean for the balance of power in the region

The new engine and AMCA are not just a fleet upgrade. This is a signal to China and Pakistan that India will not just buy protection, but will create it itself. A successful fifth-generation fighter will change the balance in South Asia.

In addition, the partnership with France is another step towards a multipolar strategy. New Delhi is not tied to any block, but is strengthening ties with those who are willing to share technology. Paris, in turn, gets a powerful ally in Asia — and a market with huge potential.

India seeks to strengthen air defense shield with Russian S-500 Prometheus missile system after S-400 triumph

 

S-500 Prometheus

India is considered as one of the first potential foreign buyers of the Russian S-500 Prometheus fifth-generation anti-aircraft missile system after the Russian army is fully equipped with these systems. India has previously successfully acquired and operated S-400 systems, which have shown high efficiency, which reinforces its interest in the more modern S-500 complex.

The S-500 Prometheus is a universal long-range and high-altitude anti-aircraft missile system capable of hitting ballistic missiles, aerodynamic targets, including aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. The complex is equipped with advanced radar systems, such as the Yenisei radar, which is capable of detecting targets at altitudes over 100 km and at ranges over 600 km. This significantly expands the capabilities of missile defense and air defense.

The delivery of the S-500 to India will be a logical step in the development of military-technical cooperation between the two countries, given the long-standing partnerships and joint projects in the field of armaments. However, deliveries will begin only after the Russian troops are fully equipped, which, according to official statements, will not happen in the coming years.

Thus, after the impressive success with the S-400, India is seeking to strengthen its air defense system by including the latest Russian S-500 Prometheus complex, which will significantly enhance its defense potential in the face of growing regional threats.

Algeria received Su-35S fighters: details of the deal and its significance for the Russian defense industry

 

In March 2025, Maxar satellite imagery recorded the delivery of Su-35S fighters to the Umm el Bouagy airfield in Algeria. AN-124 heavy transport aircraft transported a batch of fighters from Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

Interestingly, there was no official announcement of an agreement on the supply of these aircraft to Algeria. However, given the close military-technical cooperation between the two countries, including the recent purchase of the Su-57, this did not come as a surprise.

There are nuances: according to some reports, aircraft from a shipment destined for Egypt were transferred to Algeria, but the contract with which was canceled. This assumption is based on the characteristic color of the aircraft. Interestingly, since 2022, these aircraft have also been considered for delivery to Iran.

It is important to note that the colors of the Algerian and Egyptian Air Forces are similar in places, so it cannot be ruled out that the planes could not be from the "Egyptian party." Nevertheless, the fact remains that the Su-35S have not yet been spotted in Iran, despite numerous speculations.

The main thing in this situation is the very fact of aircraft delivery to Algeria, which is a solvent partner. Under the conditions of CAATSA sanctions, such a deal looks profitable, and the funds from export earnings will be useful for the Russian military-industrial complex.