Thu Jan 09 23:20:00 UTC 2025: ## India Needs Foreign Collaboration to Develop Next-Gen Aero-Engines: DRDO Chief

**New Delhi, January 10, 2025** – India must collaborate with a foreign manufacturer to develop sixth-generation aero-engines and other crucial technologies, according to Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Kamat highlighted that India’s current defence R&D investment is only 5% of its defence budget, a figure he believes needs to increase to 15%. This would require an investment of approximately $4 billion to $5 billion (₹40,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore).

Kamat’s statement comes amidst significant delays in indigenous fighter jet development, contrasting with China’s rapid progress in this field. India is currently negotiating with France for the co-development of a 110KN engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a project still at least a decade from producing a prototype. While the co-development was announced in July 2023, crucial aspects of the agreement remain unresolved.

The DRDO chief emphasized the critical need for advanced aero-engine technology, noting that current capabilities only reach fourth-generation levels. Sixth-generation engines require significantly higher thrust-to-weight ratios exceeding 10, demanding advancements in materials science and extensive testing facilities. He stressed that co-development with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is the most feasible path forward.

Kamat also addressed the need to increase India’s fighter aircraft production capacity, currently limited to 16 aircraft annually. He suggested exploring options within the public and private sectors or through joint ventures. The DRDO chief also acknowledged the challenges faced by the now-shelved ‘Kaveri’ engine project, which consumed ₹2035.56 crore over 30 years without success. This contrasts with the recent agreement with General Electric for the F-414 engine, which will provide manufacturing licenses and technological transfer for the LCA-MK2 and the initial AMCA variant. The AMCA’s second phase will utilize the engine co-developed with France.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force, underscored the importance of timely technological development, stating that delays equate to denial of crucial capabilities. He also emphasized the necessity of accepting risks and potential failures inherent in the R&D process.

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