Tejas a milestone, next leap is fifth-gen jets with home-built engines: Rajnath Singh

The defence minister noted that work has already begun on the next stage of aviation advancement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India’s next major step in defence will be the development of fifth-generation fighter jets equipped with home-built engines.

Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum in Delhi, Singh described the Tejas aircraft as a milestone in the country’s defence journey. “Tejas combat jet will be a shining example of India’s indigenous defence capabilities. It’s not that we are free of challenges in this mission, but we have resolved to overcome every hurdle and achieve full capacity to build fighter aircraft in India,” he said.

Singh noted that work has already begun on the next stage of aviation advancement. “Today, we have moved forward towards building fifth-generation fighter aircraft. We have also taken steps for manufacturing the aircraft’s engines in India. Engine production will soon begin in collaboration with French company Safran,” he said.

The minister stressed that India’s growing economic strength has positioned it as a stabilising force in uncertain times. “When many countries are severely impacted by disruptions in global supply chains, India has the capability to strengthen them. Today, the world speaks of China Plus. I ask, apart from India, who else can fulfil this role? The answer is clear—only India. For us, self-reliance is not merely about import substitution; it reflects our vision of Global Good and our commitment to providing the world with a reliable supply chain. Today, there is a renewed sense of hope and confidence in India across the world,” he said.

Reiterating the point, Singh added, “Amid discussions of China Plus One, tell me, who other than India can rise to the task? India has the capability to stabilise global supply chain disruptions.”

He further highlighted the government’s efforts to boost technological capabilities. “We have launched the India-AI Mission to strengthen the country’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, under which models will be developed to meet India’s unique needs. Our aim is to make India a global hub of artificial intelligence. Similarly, semiconductor development is progressing in mission mode. As the Prime Minister announced in his Independence Day speech, by year-end, ‘Made in India’ semiconductors, manufactured by our people, will be available in the market,” he said.

Making a direct pitch to global companies, Singh urged them to invest in India’s growing defence sector. “I invite all foreign companies and investors to be part of India’s vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem. We will provide all necessary clearances and extend complete support. Our Make in India initiative is not limited to serving domestic needs—when you Make in India, you make for the world. India’s vision is rooted in peace and development, and we believe collective progress is more important than isolated growth,” he said.