India plans to spend approximately Rs 65,400 crore to acquire engines for fighter aircraft currently under development, according to estimates shared on Friday by a defence official leading the home-grown engine programme.
Engine Requirements and Fighter Programmes
S. V. Ramana Murthy, director of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), said the country will need around 1,100 engines for various fighter jet programmes progressing at different stages.
India’s long-standing effort to equip its Tejas light combat aircraft with the indigenous Kaveri engine has faced delays due to technical challenges.
Building an Indigenous Engine Ecosystem
Murthy emphasized the need for a mission-mode approach to create a robust ecosystem for domestic fighter engines. This includes infrastructure such as high-altitude testing facilities and a strong industrial base to support engine development.
He added that a derivative of the Kaveri engine could also be adapted for use in home-grown unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
Collaboration With International Partners
Murthy is leading efforts to co-develop an engine with international partners for India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. Companies such as France’s Safran, Britain’s Rolls-Royce, and the US General Electric have shown interest.
The prototype of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to roll out in 2028, officials have said.
Involvement of Private Firms
For the first time, bids for fighter aircraft engines will be open to private Indian firms to reduce dependence on Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the state-owned manufacturer that produces most of India’s military aircraft.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is encouraging defence manufacturing in India by inviting weapon makers to establish units in partnership with domestic firms, boosting local capacity and self-reliance.
