NEW DELHI — India is preparing to make a landmark investment of Rs 65,400 crore (about $7.44 billion) to design, develop, and produce indigenous fighter jet engines by 2035, marking a major stride toward self-reliance in advanced aerospace technology.
The initiative aims to make India self-sufficient in aircraft propulsion—one of the most complex and strategically critical areas of defense—while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, according to the Times of Oman.
Under the plan, India intends to produce roughly 1,100 engines over the next decade to power future combat aircraft, including the Tejas Mk2, the stealth-oriented Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), upgraded fighters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The project is being spearheaded by S. V. Ramana Murthy, Director of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), who emphasized the creation of a robust ecosystem involving government research institutions, private industry, and international collaboration.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is aligning its modernization goals with the initiative and plans to expand its fleet to 42 squadrons by 2035 with around 450 new fighter aircraft, many expected to be powered by homegrown engines.
A key element of the roadmap is the Tejas Mk2 program, following the success of the indigenous Tejas fighter jet. Negotiations with U.S.-based General Electric for its F414 engine, coupled with a technology transfer agreement, are expected to provide India with critical expertise in building world-class propulsion systems.
India’s long-delayed Kaveri engine program is also being revived and modernized, with upgraded versions envisioned to power future unmanned combat aircraft.
Global collaboration will be another cornerstone of the project. France’s Safran, Britain’s Rolls-Royce, and the U.S.’s GE are in talks to co-develop a fifth-generation engine for the AMCA, which is expected to produce its first prototype by 2028.
In a first for India’s defense sector, private companies will be invited to participate directly in fighter engine development, creating new opportunities for innovation and industrial growth. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will collaborate with both private and international partners to accelerate production and ensure efficiency.
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision, the program represents a strategic shift—from being a buyer of foreign defense technology to becoming a producer and global partner in advanced aerospace manufacturing.
Experts say the initiative will not only enhance India’s defense preparedness but also generate high-skilled jobs, boost exports, and position India as an emerging global hub for aerospace innovation and production. (Source: IANS)
