India is on track to begin production of indigenous fighter jet engines next year, marking a significant advancement in the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiative, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. In a recent interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Singh revealed that New Delhi is actively negotiating with global defence manufacturers, including General Electric from the United States and France’s Safran, to facilitate the local production of these engines.
When asked about efforts to expedite engine supplies for the Tejas aircraft-especially following the phase-out of the MiG-21 fleet-Singh stated that discussions are ongoing with several companies. He emphasized that while he cannot disclose specific details yet, the final decisions will be made by the Cabinet Committee on Security. “We have clarity on the concept and direction,” he added.
Expressing confidence in India’s capability, Singh remarked that the production of fighter jet engines will soon be executed domestically, stating, “They will be made in India, by Indians.” He also noted that while India will continue to import engines, there is no external pressure on these purchases. “We won’t compromise on our interests while purchasing these engines. We have informed companies that we will buy engines, but they need to manufacture them in India and transfer technology to us,” he specified.
Although Singh refrained from naming specific companies under discussion, he assured that his comments were well-founded. In response to inquiries regarding the timeline for the first engine of India’s fifth-generation fighter jet in collaboration with Safran, he said, “We are working to initiate manufacturing in India as soon as possible, and the Cabinet Committee on Security will make a decision shortly.”
He reiterated that while international collaboration is welcome, domestic production remains a priority. “We are pushing for technology transfer as part of our agreements,” he indicated.
Singh also discussed the progress of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, which is India’s indigenous fifth-generation, twin-engine, stealth fighter jet currently in development. He had approved the AMCA Programme Execution Model through industry collaboration in May, following Operation Sindoor. When queried about the production timeline, he suggested that the project might not take a decade, hinting at optimism for an earlier completion.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/made-in-india-by-indians-indigenous-fighter-jet-engine-production-to-begin-next-year-says-rajnath-singh-13948786.html
Category: India
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-11-07 20:59:00
