India’s defense minister stated that the country is collaborating with a French company to develop and manufacture fighter jet engines domestically.
In May, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the prototype for a 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), calling it a “significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defense capabilities.”
Singh provided more details about the plan to develop fighter jet aircraft engines within the country during a conference speech in New Delhi on Friday. In comments broadcast by Indian media, he said, “We are moving forward to manufacture aircraft engines in India itself.” He added, “We are collaborating with a French company to start engine production in India.”
Singh did not name the company, but Indian media widely reported it to be Safran, a firm that has been active in India’s aviation and defense sectors for decades. There was no immediate confirmation.
India, one of the world’s largest arms importers, has prioritized the modernization of its military and has repeatedly sought to boost local arms production.
The world’s most populous nation has deepened its defense cooperation with Western countries in recent years, including the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan, and Australia. In April, India signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. These would join the 36 Rafale fighters already acquired, replacing the Russian MiG-29K jets.
Singh has also pledged at least $100 billion in new domestic military hardware contracts by 2033 to stimulate local arms production.
This decade, India has opened a large new helicopter factory, launched its first domestically made aircraft carrier, warships, and submarines, and conducted a successful long-range hypersonic missile test.
New Delhi sees threats from multiple nations, particularly Pakistan. In May, India was involved in a four-day conflict with its neighbor, their most severe standoff since 1999.
