At the ET World Leaders Forum in Delhi (Feb 2025), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s strides in defence self-reliance. He called the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) a milestone in India’s indigenous defence story. Singh emphasized that despite challenges, India is determined to achieve full capability to design and manufacture fighter aircraft domestically.

The next leap, he noted, is towards developing Fifth Generation fighter aircraft and manufacturing engines in India itself. To this end, India has partnered with French company Safran to manufacture fighter jet engines in India, marking a major step in reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and boosting the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative in defence.

MCQs

Question 1:

At the ET World Leaders Forum 2025, which indigenous aircraft did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh describe as a defining moment in India’s defence story?
A) Sukhoi-30MKI
B) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft
C) Rafale Fighter Jet
D) Mirage 2000
Answer: B) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft
Explanation: Rajnath Singh highlighted the Tejas LCA as a symbol of India’s indigenous defence capability, showcasing self-reliance in aircraft production.

Question 2:

India has partnered with which French company to manufacture fighter aircraft engines domestically?
A) Airbus
B) Dassault Aviation
C) Safran
D) Thales
Answer: C) Safran
Explanation: Rajnath Singh announced that India will collaborate with Safran, a French aerospace company, to begin manufacturing fighter jet engines in India.

Question 3:

Which initiative of the Indian government does the move towards indigenous aircraft and engine manufacturing align with?
A) Make in World
B) Digital India
C) Atmanirbhar Bharat
D) Bharat Mala
Answer: C) Atmanirbhar Bharat
Explanation: The push for indigenous manufacturing of Tejas aircraft and engines reflects the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of achieving self-reliance, especially in critical sectors like defence.

Question 4:

What is the next step India is pursuing in aircraft development after Tejas?
A) Sixth Generation fighter aircraft
B) Fifth Generation fighter aircraft
C) Passenger aircraft production
D) Helicopter modernization
Answer: B) Fifth Generation fighter aircraft
Explanation: Rajnath Singh stated that India is moving towards building Fifth Generation fighter aircraft, strengthening its defence capability for future challenges.

Question 5:

Why is indigenous engine manufacturing crucial for India’s defence sector?
A) To increase aircraft export costs
B) To reduce foreign dependency and enhance strategic autonomy
C) To make India dependent on French technologies
D) To replace helicopters with fighter jets
Answer: B) To reduce foreign dependency and enhance strategic autonomy
Explanation: Manufacturing engines in India reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, lowers costs, boosts exports, and gives India greater independence in defence preparedness.