PM Modi Calls for Indigenous Fighter Jet Engine Development to Enhance Defence Self-Reliance

During the commemoration of India's 79th Independence Day at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a fervent appeal to the nation’s scientists, engineers, and the defense sector to focus on creating indigenous fighter jet engines. He emphasized that this initiative is crucial for achieving genuine defense self-reliance as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Addressing the nation for the 12th consecutive time on Independence Day, PM Modi said, “Today, I urge the young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals, and all departments of the Government that we should have our jet engines for our own Made-in-India fighter jets.”

The Prime Minister connected this call to action with the recent success of Operation Sindoor, highlighting it as evidence of India's sophisticated military capabilities. He stated, “Operation Sindoor showcased the marvel of India's military prowess, leaving our enemies stunned and unable to comprehend the advanced arms and ammunition that neutralised them in mere seconds.” Modi further stressed that such decisive operations would have been significantly more challenging without the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Push for Indigenous Fighter Jet Engines

While India's indigenous fighter jet program continues to develop, reliance on foreign engines remains a challenge. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has recently acquired its second US-manufactured GE-404 engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A program, with an additional 12 expected by the end of the fiscal year.

With global supply chain interruptions causing delays in US shipments, India is intensifying its efforts to produce domestic alternatives. The country is considering co-development deals with Rolls-Royce from the UK, Safran from France, and a Japanese defense manufacturer, all of whom have proposed technology transfer and joint production. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is currently reviewing these proposals, as reported by Bloomberg.

Urgency to Bridge Combat Readiness Gap

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh recently highlighted the impact of equipment delays on national defense readiness, indicating that the air force must induct about 40 fighters annually to maintain combat strength. Currently, India has 30 active squadrons, which falls short of the sanctioned 42.5, thus widening the gap in aerial defense capability.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Beyond Defence

PM Modi also urged citizens to contribute to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by choosing locally made products, underlining that such decisions bolster both the economy and national security. In another statement, he announced advancements in India’s semiconductor mission, assuring that locally produced chips would be available in the market by the end of the year.

Amid shifting global security dynamics and ongoing supply chain uncertainties, Modi's emphasis on developing indigenous fighter jet engines underscores a strategic focus on ensuring that India's defense capabilities are rooted in its own technological expertise.