India Seeks New Partners for Fighter Jet Engine Development Beyond the US

As per the news reports, India has broadened its outreach for jointly producing fighter-jet engines, engaging manufacturers in the UK, France and Japan alongside ongoing US talks. The expansion aims to modernise the Air Force, reduce import dependence, shore up supply chains exposed by global events and create domestic jobs. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will evaluate offers as India looks to move quickly.

Offers Under Consideration and Official Meetings

As per news reports, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc offered joint production and technology transfer during an April visit by senior defence ministry officials to London. France’s Safran SA has indicated readiness to transfer technology and share intellectual property rights, while Japan made a similar offer in May, though no specific Japanese partner was named. 

Project Scope, Delays and Operational Warnings

The engines under consideration are intended for India’s twin-engine fighters now under development, and the Ministry of Defence is preparing to seek government clearance soon. As per the reports, India has recently allowed private domestic firms, for the first time, to design and develop advanced warplanes to replace an ageing, largely Russian fleet. 

As per the reports, Talks with Boston-based General Electric on co-producing GE F414 engines have been ongoing since 2023, but progress has been slow; India imposed penalties on GE last year for severe delays in engine deliveries. 

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Conclusion

By pursuing parallel partnerships with the UK, France, Japan and continuing US engagement, India aims to accelerate capability-building, ensure supply-chain resilience and anchor advanced engine production. DRDO’s assessments and swift government clearances will determine how quickly these plans translate into joint manufacture and deployment.

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