India is advancing indigenous defense production with a new collaboration with a French firm to jointly design and build fighter jet engines domestically. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the prototype of the 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been approved, marking a key step in boosting India’s aerospace independence. This follows a multi-billion-dollar deal signed in April for 26 Rafale jets, which will replace Russian MiG-29K fighters and expand on the 36 Rafales already in service. Singh emphasized that by 2033, at least $100 billion in domestic defense contracts will fuel local industry. Recent milestones include a new helicopter plant, the launch of India’s first indigenous carrier, new submarines, and hypersonic missile trials. Together, these projects underline India’s long-term ambition to build a self-reliant defense ecosystem while strengthening its airpower capabilities.
