India is collaborating with a French company to develop and produce fighter jet engines domestically, according to New Delhi’s Defence Minister.
In May, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a prototype for the 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), describing it as a major step toward boosting India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
At a New Delhi conference on Friday, Singh elaborated on the country’s plans to produce fighter jet engines locally.
“We are advancing towards manufacturing aircraft engines right here in India,” Singh stated, as reported by Indian media.
“We are partnering with a French company to initiate engine production in India.”
Although Singh did not specify the company, Indian media widely identified it as Safran, which has long been active in India’s aviation and defence sectors.
No official confirmation has been issued yet.
As one of the world’s top arms importers, India prioritizes modernizing its military and has consistently pushed to increase domestic arms production.
In recent years, the world’s most populous nation has strengthened defence ties with Western countries, including the Quad alliance with the U.S., Japan, and Australia.
In April, India signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation.
This acquisition will add to the 36 Rafale jets already in service, replacing the Russian MiG-29K jets.
Singh has also pledged at least $100 billion in new domestic military contracts by 2033 to stimulate local arms manufacturing.
This decade, India has inaugurated a large helicopter factory, launched its first indigenously built aircraft carrier, and achieved a successful long-range hypersonic missile test.
New Delhi is vigilant about threats from various nations, particularly Pakistan, following a four-day conflict in May, marking their worst standoff since 1999.
