India will jointly develop fighter jet engines with a French defense firm, marking a milestone in its drive toward self-reliance in military technology, according to the defense minister.
The announcement follows May’s approval of the prototype for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter program hailed as a vital boost to indigenous capability. At a conference in New Delhi, Singh provided additional insights into the initiative to manufacture advanced jet engines domestically.
In April, India finalized a multi-billion-dollar deal with France’s Dassault Aviation to procure 26 Rafale jets, which will supplement the existing fleet of 36 Rafales and gradually replace Russian MiG-29Ks.
The minister further pledged to channel at least $100 billion into new domestic defense procurement by 2033, aiming to stimulate local production. Recent milestones include the opening of a major helicopter facility, the launch of India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, the deployment of home-grown warships and submarines, and the successful testing of a long-range hypersonic missile.
