India’s game-changing jet engine deal with France

On the sidelines of President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, India’s Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf,  announced a significant development in the field of defence and aerospace collaboration between the two countries. Safran, a prominent manufacturer of fighter jet engines, has agreed to a complete technology transfer to India, covering all stages of their collaborative project. This move is notable for its potential to enhance India’s self-sufficiency in defence technology and represents a deepening of the strategic partnership between the two nations. The technology transfer agreement between Safran and India regarding the Shakti jet engine project is notably comprehensive, setting it apart from India’s previous jet engine collaborations. Safran’s commitment to a 100% technology transfer encompasses not only manufacturing processes but also extends to critical knowledge in design, development, certification, and production phases. This level of comprehensive transfer, including the focus on the actual design phase and metallurgical aspects, is crucial for developing advanced jet engines and goes beyond the scope of traditional technology transfers that might primarily focus on assembly or production techniques. Furthermore, this deal is strategically aligned with India’s long-term defence requirements, ensuring that the technology transfer integrates seamlessly with India’s future defence visions. This strategic alignment is part of a broader context of defence cooperation between India and France, reinforced by the discussions during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. The cooperation extends to various aspects of defence technology, including the joint development of combat aircraft engines and industrial cooperation for heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) programme, illustrating a multifaceted partnership that transcends a single project focus and aims at building a collaborative development and production ecosystem. But why is it so difficult to manufacture and design a jet engine? First, jet engines operate at extremely high temperatures, making thermal management critical. The development of materials and coatings that can withstand temperatures exceeding 1,800 Celsius, such as the carbon-based coatings mentioned for China’s military jet engines, is crucial. These materials must maintain structural integrity and mechanical properties at these temperatures to ensure engine reliability and longevity. Second, the metallurgical aspects are particularly challenging because the engine components are made from superalloys, which are complex metal mixtures designed to perform well in high-stress, high-temperature environments. For example, single crystal superalloys are often used in turbine blades to minimize creep and thermal fatigue. The production of these single crystal superalloys involves sophisticated casting and processing techniques, which are difficult and expensive to develop. India has faced difficulties in developing and procuring the necessary superalloys and materials that can withstand the extreme conditions within a jet engine. The development of single crystal blades and the application of thermal barrier coatings are critical areas where India has lagged due to technological and industrial limitations. Third, Advanced jet engines feature components with complex geometries designed to optimise efficiency and performance. Manufacturing these intricate shapes, particularly in the case of turbine blades with internal cooling channels, requires sophisticated fabrication techniques such as selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM), which are challenging to master. Fourth, precision manufacturing techniques such as blisk (bladed disk) manufacturing are essential for modern jet engines. Blisks improve engine performance by reducing weight and part count but require advanced machining and fabrication technologies, such as 5-axis CNC milling or additive manufacturing (3D printing), which can be challenging to master. Fifth, the materials used in jet engines must withstand not only high temperatures but also significant mechanical stresses and corrosive environments, leading to potential fatigue and failure over time. Developing materials and coatings that can resist these conditions and extend the engine’s operational life is a key challenge. Sixth, the aerodynamic design of the engine’s components, such as the compressor and turbine blades, is critical for efficient operation. This involves complex fluid dynamic simulations and testing to optimise the shape and configuration of the blades for maximum efficiency and performance under various operating conditions. Seventh, effective cooling systems are crucial for maintaining the integrity of engine components. Technologies like film cooling, where cool air is bled from the compressor and passed over the surface of turbine blades, require intricate design and manufacturing capabilities to create the tiny holes and channels needed for the cooling air to pass through Eight, the rotating components in a jet engine, such as the turbine and compressor discs and blades, must withstand tremendous centrifugal forces. Designing these components to avoid resonance frequencies and to endure the mechanical stresses over the engine’s operational life involves sophisticated materials science and structural analysis. Ninth, modern jet engines are controlled by complex electronic control systems that monitor and adjust engine parameters in real-time for optimal performance. Developing the software and hardware for these systems, ensuring their reliability, and integrating them with the aircraft’s other systems is a significant challenge. The deal with Safran will help India in overcoming all these challenges. Historically dependent on foreign manufacturers like GE for advanced jet engines in aircrafts like Tejas, this collaboration signifies a monumental shift towards self-reliance and technological independence for India. By acquiring comprehensive knowledge spanning design, development, and manufacturing processes, India is set to leapfrog into the forefront of aerospace technology. This transformation is not just a reflection of technological advancement but a strategic step towards mitigating vulnerabilities associated with external dependencies in critical defence areas. Moreover, this partnership illuminates the robust and multifaceted relationship between India and France, underscoring a mutual commitment to deepening strategic ties. The agreement goes beyond a mere transaction; it is a testament to the trust and shared vision between the two nations, aiming for a secure and technologically advanced future. This collaboration is a beacon of India’s broader foreign policy strategy, emphasising the importance of cultivating diverse international partnerships. India’s approach to not singularly depend on one country for its strategic defence needs is evident in its efforts to foster relationships with multiple global powers. This balanced and pragmatic approach ensures India’s strategic autonomy while enhancing its defence capabilities through a flurry of global partnerships, setting a new standard for international defence cooperation. The author is OSD, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.