Boosting Indigenous Defence Capabilities: NEW DELHI – July 19, 2025 – India is set to embark on a transformative defence collaboration with France, following a recommendation by the Ministry of Defence to co-develop next-generation fighter jet engines, according to local media reports. This monumental initiative, valued at approximately Rs 61,000 crore – equivalent to around £6.5 billion (approximately $7.35 billion USD) – aims to develop a powerful 120 kilonewton (kN) thrust engine, a critical component for India’s future combat aircraft platforms.