India is partnering with a French company to develop and manufacture fighter jet engines domestically, according to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

In May, Singh approved the prototype for a 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), emphasising its significance in enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

During a recent conference in New Delhi, Singh outlined plans for domestic aircraft engine production, stating, “We are moving forward to manufacture aircraft engines in India itself”.

While he did not specify the French company involved, Indian media reports suggest it is Safran, which has a longstanding presence in India’s aviation and defence sectors. No official confirmation has been provided.

As one of the world’s largest arms importers, India has prioritised modernising its military and boosting local arms production.

The nation has strengthened defence ties with Western countries, including participation in the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan and Australia.

In April, India signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to acquire 26 Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation, adding to the 36 Rafale fighters already in its arsenal, which will replace the ageing Russian MiG-29K jets.

Singh has pledged at least $100 billion in new domestic military hardware contracts by 2033 to further stimulate local production.

This decade, India has established a new helicopter factory, launched its first domestically made aircraft carrier and successfully tested a long-range hypersonic missile.

With ongoing threats from multiple nations, including a four-day conflict with Pakistan in May, India continues to focus on strengthening its defence capabilities.