New Delhi, Nov 3 – India has just announced a bold plan to build its own fighter‑jet engines, investing about Rs 65,400 crore (roughly $7.44 billion) by 2035. The goal is simple: make the country self‑reliant in aircraft propulsion and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Under the plan, Indian defence makers will produce around 1,100 engines over the next decade. These engines will power a mix of aircraft, from the upgraded Tejas Mk 2 to the new stealthy Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and even unmanned drones. The Indian Air Force is set to boost its fleet to 42 squadrons with some 450 new fighter jets, many of which could soon run on engines built in India.
S. V. Ramana Murthy, the director of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, said the mission hinges on a strong ecosystem that brings together government research, private industry and international partners. “We want engines that can compete on the world stage,” he said.
India has already begun talks with U.S. engine maker General Electric (GE) about its F414 jet engine. A technology‑transfer agreement is expected to give Indian teams hands‑on experience in building world‑class powerplants. The country’s own Kaveri engine program, which stalled for years, is being revived with fresh energy. New Kaveri variants could soon power unmanned combat aircraft, a key element of India’s future air strategy.
International collaboration will also be a cornerstone of the program. French firm Safran, British company Rolls‑Royce and U.S. GE are already in discussions to co‑develop a fifth‑generation engine for the AMCA, with a prototype expected by 2028.
For the first time, the government is inviting private companies to join fighter‑jet development. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will partner with both domestic start‑ups and global players to share the workload and expand production capacity.
This shift aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self‑reliant India) vision, encouraging global defence manufacturers to set up plants in the country. Experts say the engine development program will not only strengthen India’s defence readiness but also spur economic growth, create jobs, boost exports and cement India’s status as a major aerospace player on the world stage.
Source: ianslive
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