India is on the cusp of a significant milestone in its pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent statement on X underscores the urgency of this aero engine initiative, signaling that India may soon announce its jet engine partner.
On April 23, 2025, the Defence Minister’s Office shared Shri Rajnath Singh’s remarks: “Airforce की जरूरत को ध्यान में रखते हुए, Aero-engine development हमारी सरकार का priority area है। हम इस पर लगातार काम कर रहे हैं। हमनें सभी available options को, अच्छे से analyze करके, एक decision की ओर, बढ़ने का प्रयास किया है।” He further highlighted the focus on co-development and co-production, ensuring full intellectual property rights (IPR) for India while tailoring the engine to the country’s unique geographical and strategic requirements. “हम जल्द ही इस क्षेत्र में कुछ महत्त्वपूर्ण decisions लेने वाले हैं,” Singh added, signaling imminent progress.
“Keeping in mind the needs of the Air Force, aero-engine development is a priority area for our government. We are continuously working on this. We have thoroughly analyzed all available options and are making efforts to move toward a decision. Our aim is to ensure that this engine is developed in India through a co-development and co-production model, with full intellectual property rights. Additionally, it should align with our special geographical and strategic requirements. We will soon take some significant decisions in this area, says Defence Minister”
India’s jet engine program, specifically for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), involves negotiations with three major global aerospace companies. These companies are
- Rolls-Royce (United Kingdom): Rolls-Royce is a strong contender in the negotiations, with indications that it might be a frontrunner. The company has reportedly offered a co-development model that includes complete intellectual property rights (IPR) for India, which is a key factor in the decision-making process.
- Safran (France): Safran is another leading contender, often cited as the frontrunner due to its compelling offer of 100% technology transfer (ToT) and full IPR. Safran’s prior collaboration with India, particularly in the Rafale program, strengthens its position.
- General Electric (GE) (United States): GE is also in the race, leveraging its existing partnership with India through the supply of F404 and F414 engines for the Tejas and AMCA Mk-1 programs. However, GE has been more reserved about offering full technology transfer due to U.S. export control restrictions. Despite this, GE remains a contender due to its established relationship with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
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The choice of jet engine partner will not only shape the AMCA program but also set the stage for future Indian aerospace projects. A successful collaboration could enable India to develop critical technologies, facilitate exports, and strengthen its strategic autonomy—a key goal of the Modi administration’s defence policy.
He added that special attention is being paid to the development of fifth generation fighter aircraft and LCA Mark-2. He further highlighted that self-reliance has been achieved to a large extent on many air defence systems, including Astra Mark-2, Pralay, SMART, anti-field weapon, NG Anti-radiation missile, and Very Short Range Air Defence System, and these are at various stages of production and development.
He pointed out that the revolutionary breakthroughs in the field of technology, including the growing use of Artificial Intelligence, Hypersonic Directed Energy weapons, Quantum Computing, drones, cyber & space tech, have brought unpredictability and lethality in modern-day warfare, making it unconventional & even more uncertain. He voiced Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment to tackle these challenges and uncertainties.
