India will start developing its own fighter jet engine now, thanks to France

India’s plan to develop its own fighter jet engine, which had hit a hurdle, may come true.

A $2-million consultancy agreement has been finalised with leading French defence manufacturer Safran, which will help India in reviving the Kaveri project that was stalled in 2014.

The Kaveri project came to a halt after the Kaveri gas turbine engine developed for combat planes and unmanned aircraft was unable to provide the required power thrust.

As per the French company, around 25-30% more work is required for the Kaveri engine to be combat-worthy.

As reported by ET in July, France has offered a 1-billion euro investment to revive the project. Several rounds of discussions have already taken place since January between Safran, which has developed the M88 engines for Rafale, and Indian developers.

Apart from the initial consultancy fees, India may not need to spend on development as the French side has proposed to make the Kaveri flight-worthy within 18 months for integration into the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft by 2020.