India speeds up fighter jet engine project with French collaboration – SUCH TV

Following the loss of several aircraft to Pakistan during the four-day conflict in May, India’s Defence Minister has announced that Delhi is collaborating with a French company to develop and produce fighter jet engines domestically.

In May, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the prototype of a 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), describing it as a “major step toward strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.”

Speaking at a conference in New Delhi on Friday, Singh provided further details on the plan to manufacture fighter jet engines within India.

“We are moving forward to produce aircraft engines right here in India,” Singh stated, as reported by Indian media.

“We are partnering with a French company to initiate engine production in the country.”

Although Singh did not reveal the company’s name, Indian media widely reported it to be Safran, which has been active in India’s aviation and defence sectors for decades. There has been no official confirmation yet.

India, one of the world’s largest arms importers, has made the modernisation of its forces a top priority, and made repeated pushes to boost local arms production.

The world’s most populous nation has deepened defence cooperation with Western countries in recent years, including the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan and Australia.

India signed in April a multi-billion-dollar deal to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation.

It would join 36 Rafale fighters already acquired, and replace the Russian MiG-29K jets.

Singh has also promised at least $100 billion in fresh domestic military hardware contracts by 2033 to spur local arms production.

This decade India has opened an expansive new helicopter factory, launched its first domestically made aircraft carrier, warships and submarines, and conducted a successful long-range hypersonic missile test.

New Delhi eyes threats from multiple nations, especially Pakistan.

India was engaged with its neighbour in a four-day conflict in May, their worst standoff since 1999.