India plans to establish a second fighter aircraft production line to reduce dependence on a single manufacturing facility and expand domestic defence producti…

India plans to establish a second fighter aircraft production line to reduce dependence on a single manufacturing facility and expand domestic defence production, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has said. The government is also seeking multiple missile and drone manufacturers, greater private-sector participation and higher domestic content in major defence procurements as part of its broader push for self-reliance in military manufacturing

New Delhi, Sept 2026 : India is looking to establish a second fighter aircraft production line as part of efforts to expand manufacturing capacity, reduce dependence on a single facility and build a more diversified domestic defence industrial base, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has said

Speaking at an event organised by the Public Affairs Forum of India, Singh said relying on only one fighter aircraft production line could expose the country to delays and production constraints. He indicated that India should eventually have at least two, and potentially three, fighter production lines to meet its long-term requirements

The move comes as the government seeks greater private-sector participation in the development and manufacture of advanced combat aircraft. Proposals from three shortlisted companies are currently being evaluated for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, according to the report cited in the source material

The planned expansion of fighter production is part of a wider effort to create multiple sources of supply across critical defence segments. Singh said India also needs several missile manufacturers instead of relying heavily on a single public-sector enterprise

He indicated that the country should aim for around half a dozen missile producers and hundreds of drone manufacturers. The government is also opening ammunition and propellant manufacturing to a larger number of private companies, with the objective of expanding production capacity and reducing dependence on individual suppliers

The approach reflects a broader shift towards building a deeper defence manufacturing ecosystem rather than relying on a limited number of large producers

India's defence production has expanded significantly in recent years. According to government data, annual defence production reached a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, up 15.6 per cent from Rs 1.54 lakh crore in the previous financial year. The private sector accounted for around 24 per cent of total production, with public-sector entities contributing the remaining share

Defence exports have also recorded substantial growth. Government data shows exports reached a record Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, compared with Rs 686 crore in 2013-14. Indian defence products are now being exported to more than 80 countries, with the number of registered defence exporters rising to 145 during 2025-26