India to make indigenous fighter jet engines from next year: Rajnath Singh

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India is likely to begin production of fighter jet engines as early as next year, marking a major milestone in the Centre's ambitious Atmarnirbhar (self-reliance) push.

In an exclusive interview to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Singh said India is in discussion with several global defence firms, including US-based GE and France's Safran, for the production of jet engines.

Asked about India's push to fast-track engine supply for Tejas after phasing out the MiG-21 fleet, Rajnath said: "There are (talks with) many companies like GE, Safran, etc. We have taken several steps in that direction. I cannot reveal at this point as the final decision will only be taken by the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security). We have clarity on the concept and direction."

The defence minister expressed confidence that within a year, India will begin domestic production of fighter jet engines, adding that they will be "made in India, by Indians".

Singh added that India will also continue to import jet engines from foreign countries but stressed that there is no pressure from US or any other nation on these purchases.

“We won’t compromise on our interests while purchasing these engines from outside. We have told (companies) that we will purchase engines from you but you should manufacture them in India and transfer technology to us,” he said.

While Singh declined to name any specific company India is currently negotiating with, he asserted that his statements were “not baseless.”

Asked when India could expect the first engine for its fifth-generation fighter jet following talks with French firm Safran, Rajnath Singh said: “We are trying to get the manufacturing done in India as soon as possible. The CCS will take a decision on this soon.”

He reiterated that while India may collaborate with other countries on the production of fighter jet engines, the manufacturing will happen domestically. "We are trying to get technology transfer as part of the agreement," he said.

Singh also said the progress on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project — India’s indigenous fifth-generation, twin-engine, stealth fighter jet currently under development — is encouraging. Rajnath had approved the AMCA Programme Execution Model through industry partnership in May, shortly after Operation Sindoor.

When asked whether the project might take up to 10 years for production, he replied: “There is a possibility it may even happen under that time frame.”

Moneycontrol had earlier reported that India is exploring the possibility of a potential partnership with French aerospace and defence major Safran to enhance its engine-making capabilities for Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft and to develop engines for its next-generation Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-2 fighter jets.

According to reports, the ministry of defence had recommended a strategic collaboration with Safran to co-develop the next-generation fighter jet engines.