India will soon begin producing fighter jet engines within the country through a partnership with a French company. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the development on Friday during a defence conference in New Delhi.
Singh said the initiative marks an important step toward reducing India’s reliance on foreign defence technology. “We are moving forward to manufacture aircraft engines in India itself,” he stated. He added that production would start in collaboration with a French firm.
Although Singh did not disclose the company’s name, Indian media widely reported it to be Safran, a French aerospace and defence group. Safran has long been associated with India’s aviation sector and has worked on multiple projects in the past.
The announcement comes months after the defence minister approved the prototype of India’s 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Singh described the project as a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The AMCA program is a central part of India’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported technology and strengthen indigenous capabilities.
The move to locally produce fighter jet engines is also aligned with India’s broader defence goals. Singh has pledged to award at least $100 billion in domestic defence contracts by 2033. This plan is expected to boost local industries, create jobs, and enhance national security.
Experts say the collaboration with France could provide India with advanced expertise and technology transfer. This would help speed up the process of producing reliable engines for modern fighter jets.
The step is seen as a long-awaited breakthrough in India’s defence modernization program.
With domestic production of fighter jet engines, India aims to strengthen its air power while cutting costs and reducing reliance on imports.
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