Jet Engine Partnership Likely to Top Agenda During PM Modi’s UK Visit
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming visit to the United Kingdom later this month, a key focus will be advancing a strategic defence partnership centered on the joint development of jet engines for India’s next-generation fighter aircraft.
In a report published by BharatShakti in April 2025, it was revealed that British aerospace giant Rolls-Royce and French firm Safran have emerged as the primary contenders for collaborating with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
A proposal drafted by DRDO is currently under review by the Cabinet Secretariat, and a final decision is expected soon. India is evaluating whether to move forward with Rolls-Royce or Safran for the co-development of a 110–130 kilonewton (kN) thrust-class engine. Both companies have proposed full transfer of technology (ToT), joint ownership of intellectual property, and localized manufacturing in India.
"India still lacks full ownership of engine technologies across sectors—whether for aircraft, naval vessels, or automobiles," a senior defence official stated. "We’re aiming to change that, beginning with fighter aircraft engines, similar to the progress we've made in marine propulsion."
Supply Chain Issues Driving Urgency
Persistent delays in the delivery of foreign engines have accelerated India’s pursuit of indigenous propulsion systems. GE Aerospace has faced significant delays in delivering its F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft. Only one engine was delivered to HAL in April 2025, with another expected by July—well behind the original 2023 timeline.
These delays are directly affecting the Indian Air Force’s acquisition plan for 83 Tejas aircraft under a ₹48,000 crore deal. HAL's ability to deliver 12 aircraft by FY 2026 now depends on engine availability. With a stable supply chain, HAL estimates it can produce up to 16 jets annually.
Attributed largely to post-pandemic supply chain issues at GE, these delays have exposed India’s vulnerability due to over-reliance on imported propulsion technologies.
Indigenous Engine Vision for AMCA
The AMCA project—India’s most advanced 5.5-generation stealth fighter—plans to use imported GE F414 engines in its first prototype and production batches (Mk1). However, the Mk2 version is intended to be powered by an indigenously developed engine.
Rolls-Royce has proposed a co-development model that would grant India ownership of the intellectual property. Discussions on this proposal have already taken place at senior levels, including during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s visit to the UK. This initiative aligns with the India–UK '2030 Roadmap', which emphasizes streamlined export licensing and deeper cooperation in propulsion technology.
Meanwhile, Safran is also in active talks with India, offering a customized variant of its M88 engine (used in the Rafale) and leveraging its offset obligations under the Rafale deal to support co-development. The project may also integrate with the revived Kaveri engine program, ensuring technical continuity and local expertise.
Strategic Imperatives Behind the Shift
India’s move to diversify its defence engine partnerships is not a signal of distancing from the U.S. but a strategic push for redundancy and resilience. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and recent border tensions have underscored the need for self-reliant defence manufacturing.
“The delays in American engine deliveries highlight systemic risks,” said a senior official involved in drafting the Cabinet note. “India needs internal resilience to ensure continuity.”
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh recently voiced dissatisfaction over the widespread delays in defence procurement. “I can't think of a single project completed on schedule,” he remarked publicly, adding urgency to the push for indigenous capability.
Expanding Focus to Naval Engines
India's push for self-reliance is also visible in the naval sector. The Indian Navy has approved a ₹270 crore project with Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd to develop a 6 MW marine diesel engine, targeting over 50% indigenous content and 70% government funding. The model mirrors the strategy for aircraft engines: build locally, reduce dependency.
“As we’ve done in the naval sector, we aim to replicate that success with combat aircraft propulsion systems,” an official said. “The goal is to create a complete ecosystem here.”
What Lies Ahead
A final decision on India’s engine development partner is expected before the end of this fiscal year. Rolls-Royce and Safran are front-runners, owing to their deep existing partnerships and readiness to localize core technologies.
Officials are also exploring the inclusion of a major Indian private player alongside HAL to ensure industry-wide growth and knowledge sharing.
With Prime Minister Modi's UK visit on the horizon, observers anticipate a significant announcement or high-level commitment on joint combat engine development. This decision could define India’s aerospace and defence capability roadmap for the next two decades.
Written by Defence Expert
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