India must pursue co-development with foreign manufacturers to create a sixth-generation aero-engine, according to the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He emphasized that India’s current investment in research and development represents just 5% of its defense budget, urging an increase to 15% to enhance technological capabilities.
To achieve this ambitious goal, India will need to allocate around $4 billion to $5 billion, equivalent to ₹40,000 crore to 50,000 crore. The need for this investment is underscored by significant delays in the development of indigenous fighter jets, especially as China advances rapidly in military aviation technology.
Currently, India is engaged in discussions with France to co-develop a 110KN engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which remains in the early design stages and is estimated to take at least a decade for a prototype to emerge. However, critical issues still need to be resolved before finalizing the agreement.
This collaboration was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris in July 2023. Since then, the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), and Safran have been engaged in talks to finalize specifications and other project details.
The DRDO Chairman highlighted the importance of advancing aero-engine technology, stating that while India has made strides with a fourth-generation aero-engine, future requirements call for a sixth-generation model that exceeds a thrust-to-weight ratio of 10. Technological innovations necessary for this development include single-crystal blade powder metallurgy discs and ceramic matrix composites for static components.
He also outlined the need for establishing various testing and manufacturing facilities, including high-altitude test facilities and specialized machinery capable of handling large-scale production. India has reached a mature level in fighter aircraft development, yet it currently lacks the capacity to produce 16 aircraft annually, necessitating a decision on whether to bolster public sector, private sector, or joint operations.
In response to calls for a dedicated assembly line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in the private sector, the Chairman pointed out that only a few countries, such as the U.S. and Russia, have multiple major players in fighter jet production due to low market volumes globally.
The development of jet-engine technology remains critical and highly confidential in modern warfare. Past initiatives, like the now-defunct Kaveri project initiated in 1989, faced numerous challenges, leading to its closure after nearly 30 years, during which ₹2035.56 crore was spent on prototypes without achieving significant results.
Additionally, the General Electric F-414 engine agreement allows Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. to manufacture an existing engine model, giving India access to essential technologies and boosting the capabilities of both public and private sectors in aircraft engine manufacturing.
The F-414 engines will be utilized in the LCA-MK2 and the forthcoming AMCA, which is being developed in phases with future variants aimed at co-development with France.
In a related statement, the Indian Air Force Chief stressed the importance of timely R&D, noting that delays in technology development could result in missed opportunities. He called for a greater willingness to accept risks and learn from failures in the R&D process, reinforcing the urgency of delivering the initial LCA aircraft.
