With India seeking self-reliance in jet engine manufacturing, industry leaders are calling for a dedicated ‘Mission Aero Engine’ initiative.
India’s defence industry has called on the government to launch a national “Mission Aero Engine” initiative to achieve self-reliance in jet engine technology, as the country moves closer to finalising a deal with French aerospace major Safran for the co-development of advanced fighter jet engines.
The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), in a report titled “A Road Map for Aero Engine Development in India,” warned that heavy dependence on foreign suppliers could leave India’s defence and civil aviation sectors vulnerable to sanctions or supply disruptions from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, or Russia. The report, released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, stresses that the proposed mission should focus on designing and manufacturing indigenous 110 kN thrust engines for both military and civilian applications under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework.
SIDM estimates that India will need at least 712 engines in the coming years for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) variants and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), representing a market worth over ₹600 billion. The mission would build on existing expertise from the Kaveri engine programme and leverage capabilities at the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE).
The report also highlights potential civilian applications, noting that a variant of the 110 kN core engine could power single-aisle commercial aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, boosting economic viability and creating a sustainable aero-engine ecosystem.
