On Friday, August 22, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed that India will work with French aerospace giant Safran to jointly manufacture powerful jet engines, which will significantly accelerate the country’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft program.
With the launch of a joint venture to build advanced jet engines alongside Safran, the top aerospace company in France, India has made a major step towards enhancing its defence aviation capabilities.
This partnership could be a game-changer for India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter aircraft programs, as announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 22, 2025, at an event in New Delhi. In addition to filling critical technology gaps, the cooperation intends to speed up the creation and manufacturing of domestic fighter jets, bringing India one step closer to military independence.
Rajnath Singh claims that engine production would start in India, creating a technological environment where Indian businesses, both public and private, may create cutting-edge capabilities. He underlined that reducing imports is only one aspect of self-reliance in defence; another is enabling Indian industry to create top-notch military platforms that can meet demands from both home and foreign markets. This Safran initiative has the potential to lessen India’s dependency on imported gear and establish the country as a major supplier of cutting-edge defence products worldwide in the years to come.
Significant advancements in the domestic TEJAS fighter aircraft program were also emphasised by the defence minister. In addition to the current ₹48,000 crore contract for 83 aircraft, India’s leading aerospace company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has received new orders totalling ₹66,000 crore for 97 TEJAS aircraft.
He described the TEJAS as a symbol of the nation’s determination and technological prowess, acknowledging challenges faced in the quest for indigenization but underscoring the resolve to overcome each obstacle in the path towards full fighter aircraft manufacturing capability. Singh’s statements reflect a rising confidence in India’s ability to meet strategic airpower requirements on its own terms.
The defence minister used the continuing C295 transport aircraft manufacturing partnership between Airbus and TATA Aerospace as a successful model to openly invite international defence companies to collaborate with India.
He reaffirmed that the “Make in India” initiative was designed to serve global markets as well as domestic ones, urging top businesses to invest and co-produce premium defence equipment in India. This represents a fundamental change in India’s defence industrial strategy from inward-focused self-sufficiency to outward-focused technology leadership and commercial expansion.
Rajnath Singh made reference to comments made by Pakistan’s Army Chief, who recently compared Pakistan’s economy to a “dump truck” and India’s to a sports vehicle, when discussing regional geopolitics. The minister saw this as more than simply online teasing; rather, it was an open acknowledgement of India’s strong growth, which was achieved through hard effort and successful policies, and Pakistan’s sluggish progress.
Singh emphasised the value of keeping a strong defensive posture while applauding economic advancement, pointing to “Operation Sindoor” as evidence of India’s unwavering resolve. He cautioned regional enemies against underestimating India’s power and sense of national honour, concluding that the country’s prosperity must be matched by its spirit of perseverance.
An important turning point in India’s development as a major aerospace force has been reached with the announcement of the jet engine cooperation with Safran. Underpinned by an assertive vision for national security and global stature, it supports the growth of the TEJAS combat aircraft program and broad appeals for foreign investment in military industry. It is anticipated that this multifaceted approach will boost India’s deterrence capabilities, speed up technology transfer, and rebalance the country’s defence industry environment, with long-lasting effects both at home and abroad.
