India is advancing its defense modernization with plans to develop and produce fighter jet engines in collaboration with a French company, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh revealed. The move underscores the country’s strategy to expand its defense industrial base and reduce reliance on imports.
The minister recalled that in May, the government cleared the prototype of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter project. Singh hailed the decision as a “significant step” toward boosting homegrown capabilities and preparing India for next-generation air combat challenges.
This development follows India’s April agreement to acquire 26 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation. The new aircraft will complement the existing fleet of 36 Rafales and are intended to replace the aging MiG-29K fighters sourced from Russia.
Looking ahead, Singh pledged to channel over $100 billion into local defense procurement by 2033. India has already made notable progress in recent years, launching its first indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioning advanced warships and submarines, opening a major helicopter manufacturing facility, and successfully testing a long-range hypersonic missile.
