Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday that India will manufacture engines for fifth-generation fighter jets in collaboration with French aerospace giant Safran.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced at the Economic Times World Leaders’ Forum in New Delhi and highlighted India’s progress in developing its own advanced combat aircraft.
“Today, we have taken steps forward in the direction of building fifth-generation fighter aircraft. We have also moved towards manufacturing the aircraft’s engine in India itself,” Singh said. “We are about to start engine manufacturing work in India with the French company Safran.”
At the same event, the Defence Minister urged global firms to join India’s expanding defence ecosystem.
“I appeal to all foreign companies and investors to come and invest in India’s vibrant defence manufacturing sector. We will provide all clearances and hand-holding support,” he said.
Singh stressed that the ‘Make in India’ initiative goes beyond domestic needs.
“When you Make in India, you make for the world. Our vision is development with peace, and collective growth rather than isolated progress,” he added.
The announcement follows the Defence Ministry’s approval in May of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme execution model. The model is designed to deliver a new class of medium-weight, stealth-enabled fighter jets.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the AMCA project in partnership with private industry.
Touted as India’s answer to fifth-generation air power, the AMCA will feature sensor fusion, internal weapons bays, supercruise capability, and next-generation avionics.
Weighing 25 tonnes, the twin-engine aircraft will carry 6.5 tonnes of internal fuel and incorporate stealth features to counter evolving threats in modern warfare. The initial project cost has been pegged at ₹15,000 crore.
India’s renewed focus on aerospace innovation comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
The operation underscored the urgent need to modernise the air force and expand indigenous defence production capabilities.
The government is combining indigenous development with international collaboration. It aims to position India as a global hub for advanced defence technologies.
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