New Delhi, February 16: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that India is making significant strides in the design and development of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). He acknowledged previous efforts to excel in the field of aero engines and emphasized the need to complete unfinished projects.
Speaking at the Gas Turbine Research Establishment in Bengaluru on Monday, Singh urged experts and researchers to consider the current strategic needs and ambitions of India. “If it takes 25 years to develop an engine, you should assume that your time is already up by 20 years, and you only have 5 years left. This is not surprising; it is a challenge. We must achieve in 5 years what other countries accomplish in 20 years,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of looking towards the future, stating that India should not limit itself to fifth-generation engines but must also begin developing sixth-generation advanced technologies. “Research in this area is the need of the hour. As technology evolves globally, with increased use of artificial intelligence and new materials, we must stay ahead,” he added.
Singh commended the ongoing joint studies with England for aero engine development and mentioned that India has initiated processes under the National Aero Engine Mission with France. He noted that both France and the UK are leaders in aero engine technology, and collaborating with them will provide opportunities to learn new technologies and understand past challenges.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector, stating, “Since we came to power, we have taken steps towards self-reliance. I have prioritized aero engine development during my nearly seven years in office. The importance of self-reliance in critical technologies is evident, especially given the current global political landscape.”
Singh pointed out that indigenous technology has significantly supported the armed forces, as seen in Operation Sindoor, where domestically produced weapons and systems played a crucial role. He emphasized the need for a greater focus on indigenous methods to provide world-class systems and equipment to the forces.
The Defence Minister also mentioned the recent completion of a free trade agreement between India and the European Union, which had been pending for 18 years. He described this agreement as a recognition of India’s growing economic and political power. Singh shared a positive encounter with the Greek Defence Minister, who expressed that he views India not just as an emerging power but as a global leader.
–
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
