India is collaborating with a French company to develop and manufacture fighter jet engines domestically, according to New Delhi’s defense minister.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved the prototype of a 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in May, describing it as a “significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defense capabilities.”
In a speech at a conference in New Delhi on Friday, Singh provided more details about developing fighter jet engines within the country.
“We are moving forward to manufacture aircraft engines in India itself,” Singh stated in comments that were broadcast by Indian media.
“We are collaborating with a French company to start engine production in India.”
Although Singh did not specify the company, Indian media widely reported it to be Safran, which has been operating in India’s aviation and defense sectors for decades.
There was no immediate confirmation.
As one of the world’s largest arms importers, India has prioritized modernizing its forces and has repeatedly pushed to boost local arms production.
The world’s most populous nation has deepened 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.
This acquisition will join the 36 Rafale fighters already acquired and replace the Russian MiG-29K jets.
Singh has also promised at least $100 billion in fresh domestic military hardware contracts by 2033 to stimulate local arms production.
In 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 is vigilant about threats from multiple nations, particularly Pakistan. India was engaged with its neighbor in a four-day conflict in May, marking their worst standoff since 1999.
