In a major boost to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation drive, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has confirmed that India will commence domestic production of advanced fighter jet engines within the next year.
In an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Singh revealed that discussions with global aerospace giants, including GE Aerospace (USA) and Safran (France), are progressing steadily. He added that the final approval for the deal will rest with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
“Our vision is clear — fighter jet engines for Indian aircraft must be built in India, by Indian engineers and technicians,” Singh asserted, emphasising that full technology transfer (ToT) will be a non-negotiable element in any partnership.
Towards Full Self-Reliance in Aerospace Manufacturing
At present, India imports several key aircraft engines and components to sustain platforms such as the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Singh, however, clarified that such imports are temporary and that the government’s long-term objective is complete indigenisation across the entire aerospace supply chain.
“India may buy engines from abroad, but manufacturing must happen on Indian soil,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The minister also underlined that all future collaborations will be structured to directly benefit local industry, workforce skill development, and strategic autonomy.
AMCA Development Enters Advanced Phase
Rajnath Singh provided a positive update on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, confirming that the design phase has been completed successfully and that development is progressing “well and satisfactorily.” He expressed confidence that the AMCA project — India’s flagship 5.5-generation stealth fighter — would be ready within the next decade, backed by full government support and sustained funding.
Rafale’s Proven Combat Role and MRFA Progress
Reflecting on recent military operations, including Operation Sindoor, Singh praised the performance of the Rafale fighter jets, calling them “excellent aircraft that proved their worth in real-world combat.”
He also noted that discussions for the procurement of 114 multi-role fighters under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program are progressing with positive momentum, aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) tactical and strategic reach.
Defence Exports Surge to ₹25,000 Crore
Highlighting India’s growing global footprint, the Defence Minister announced that the country’s defence exports have touched ₹25,000 crore, with a target to double this figure by 2030. The surge has been fuelled by strong demand for armoured vehicles, naval systems, drones, precision-guided munitions, and artillery systems.
He also revealed that more than 550 items have been identified for import substitution, with local production already in progress. These include both high-value components and critical battlefield systems designed to enhance India’s wartime supply resilience.
A Defining Step Towards Defence Autonomy
Singh expressed satisfaction with the pace of self-reliance initiatives, calling the recent progress “very encouraging.” He reiterated that India’s long-term vision is to design, develop, and produce every major defence platform domestically, transforming India into a global hub for aerospace and defence innovation.
With private sector participation increasing and technology transfer agreements advancing, India is now on track to achieve true defence autonomy. “Our journey towards full self-reliance is no longer a distant dream — it is a measurable, achievable goal on the near horizon,” Singh concluded.
