India ramps up efforts to build heavy engines-OxBig News Network

In the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of Defence is ramping up efforts to build indigenous high-powered engines for fighter jets, transport aircraft and naval warships — a key move to cut dependence on imports and boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Speaking at a Defence Accounts Department (DAD) event on Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Our effort is to ensure that decisions are taken swiftly so that we can begin manufacturing larger engines right here in India.”

While Singh did not specify which engines he was referring to, sources confirmed they include propulsion systems for fighter aircraft and large naval vessels, both of which currently rely on imported engines.

At present, India’s Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets run on the GE F404 engine, whose delayed supplies have stalled deliveries from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to the Indian Air Force. The larger F414 engine, intended for the Tejas Mark 2, will be produced in India under a joint venture between GE and HAL, involving technology transfer — a project Singh discussed last week with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth.

India also plans to build a more powerful engine in collaboration with France’s Safran to power its upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), expanding on their existing partnership for helicopter engines.

Naval warships, particularly larger vessels, are currently powered by General Electric’s CODAG (combined diesel and gas) systems, which India is also looking to replace with domestic alternatives.