India eyes French fighter jet engines as US talks stall

Group 1 - India is considering French-made engines from Safran SA for its fighter jets due to slow progress in joint manufacturing talks with the US [1][2] - The Tejas Mark-2 fighter jet was initially planned to be powered by the US-made GE F-414 engine, with ongoing negotiations for joint manufacturing in India [2][4] - India aims to produce nearly 200 advanced jets to replace aging British-made Jaguars and French-made Mirage-2000s, driven by recent military tensions with Pakistan [3][4] Group 2 - The Indian Ministry of Defence has not commented on the situation, while Safran representatives also declined to provide statements [4] - India is the world's second-largest arms importer and is seeking to enhance domestic military manufacturing capabilities [4][5] - Recent US-India relations have faced challenges, including significant tariffs imposed by the US, yet defense engagements remain active with ongoing negotiations for a $4 billion surveillance aircraft deal [5][6]