India to Commence Domestic Production of Advanced Fighter Jet Engines Within a Year, Announces Defence Minister
India is set to begin domestic production of advanced fighter jet engines by next year, marking a significant advancement in its quest for self-reliance and defense indigenization, as stated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
In a conversation with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Singh disclosed that discussions with major global aerospace firms, including GE Aerospace from the USA and France's Safran, are progressing well. The final approval for the agreement will be made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Singh stressed the importance of manufacturing fighter jet engines within India using local expertise, indicating that complete technology transfer will be a crucial aspect of any partnership.
Currently, India relies on imports for several vital aircraft engines and components to maintain systems like the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Singh clarified that these imports are a temporary solution, with the government's long-term goal being full indigenization of the aerospace supply chain.
He articulated the government's commitment to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, asserting that future collaborations would aim to benefit the local industry, workforce development, and strategic autonomy.
Providing an update on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, Singh confirmed the completion of its design phase and noted satisfactory progress in development. He expressed confidence that the AMCA, a 5.5-generation stealth fighter, would be ready within a decade, supported by continuous government backing and funding.
Singh also commended the performance of Rafale fighter jets in recent military operations, describing them as "excellent aircraft" with proven combat capabilities. He mentioned ongoing discussions for acquiring 114 multi-role fighters under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to enhance the Indian Air Force's tactical and strategic capabilities.
India's defense exports have reached ₹25,000 crore, with plans to double this by 2030, according to the Defence Minister. This growth is driven by high demand for armored vehicles, naval systems, drones, precision-guided munitions, and artillery systems.
Singh also revealed that over 550 items have been earmarked for import substitution, with local production already underway. These include high-value components and critical battlefield systems to improve India's wartime supply resilience.
Singh expressed optimism about the progress of self-reliance initiatives, describing the recent advancements as "very encouraging." He reiterated India's goal to design, develop, and produce all major defense platforms domestically, establishing the nation as a global hub for aerospace and defense innovation.
With increased private sector involvement and advancing technology transfer agreements, India is on the path to achieving true defense autonomy. Singh concluded by saying that the journey towards full self-reliance is now a realistic and attainable objective in the near future.
