Defence minister Rajnath Singh has announced that the government is pursuing an indigenous high-thrust aero-engine program with a proposed investment of around ₹5,000 crore, underlining that true self-reliance in aerospace must extend beyond aircraft production to critical engine technology, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Speaking at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Koraput division, where he witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine, the AL-31FP that powers the Sukhoi-30MKI fleet, Singh said self-reliance in aero-engines is fundamental to achieving complete aerospace sovereignty.

He highlighted that work is progressing on indigenous high-thrust engine development, specialised testing infrastructure, raw material capabilities and a robust maintenance, repair and overhaul ecosystem, all of which are contributing to the creation of a comprehensive domestic engine industry.

As part of the initiative, the government plans to invest approximately ₹5,000 crore in indigenous engine development. Singh also stressed the importance of indigenising raw materials through collaboration with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and establishing India's first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility.

The push for domestic engine capability aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader vision of technological self-reliance. He has previously emphasised that developing indigenous jet engines is essential for India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, given the longstanding technology gap in aerospace propulsion.

HAL's Koraput division has played a pivotal role in India's aerospace sector through technology transfer arrangements with Russia. The facility has manufactured R-11, R-25, R-29 and RD-33 engines for various MiG aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-27 and MiG-29, as well as the AL-31FP engine used by the Su-30MKI.

Describing the production of the 2,000th aero-engine as a historic achievement, Singh noted that the Koraput division has also successfully overhauled more than 9,000 engines, significantly enhancing India's aero-engine capabilities and supporting the operational readiness of the armed forces.

He called for stronger indigenous expertise across the entire aero-engine value chain, including design, development, testing, manufacturing and maintenance, emphasising that mastery of propulsion technology remains critical for aerospace and defence self-reliance.

The minister also inaugurated a second production line for Shakti engines at Koraput. These engines power indigenous helicopter platforms such as the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter.

HAL currently manufactures 80 Ardiden-1H1-Shakti engines annually at its Bangalore facility. The new production line, built with an investment of ₹218 crore, will increase total annual production capacity to 180 engines. The Shakti engine was co-developed with French aerospace company Safran.

In addition, Singh announced that HAL is expanding annual AL-31FP engine production capacity from 30 to 50 engines through an investment of ₹335 crore. The enhancement follows a ₹26,000 crore contract signed two years ago between the defence ministry and HAL for the supply of 240 AL-31FP engines for Su-30 fighters. Higher production capacity is expected to accelerate delivery schedules.

The Indian Air Force currently operates around 260 Su-30 aircraft and is set to receive 12 additional fighters to replace aircraft lost in accidents. HAL estimates that approximately 900 engines will be required over the fleet's operational lifetime.

The AL-31FP engines are now being manufactured at Koraput from the raw material stage using transferred Russian technology, with only certain spares, forgings and castings still imported. The facility has already delivered 63 engines under the current program.

India's Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS MK-1A program continues to face delays, partly because of slower-than-expected deliveries of F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace. HAL is simultaneously negotiating with GE Aerospace for joint production of the more powerful F414 engine in India for the TEJAS MK-2 program.

Alongside these efforts, India is holding discussions with global engine manufacturers including Safran and Rolls-Royce to strengthen domestic engine design and manufacturing capabilities, reflecting a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign propulsion technologies and build a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem.

Agencies