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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

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In a move that could significantly advance India’s defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to reveal at Aero India 2025 the foreign partner with whom the Defence Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) will collaborate for the development of a new 110kN sixth-generation jet engine. This announcement is crucial for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to bring India into the elite club of nations with indigenous stealth fighter capabilities.

According to sources close to Indian Defense Research Wing (IDRW), the deal for this collaboration might be formalized later in the year, marking a critical step in the AMCA’s development. Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared official funding for the AMCA, granting approximately ?15,000 crores for its Phase-I development. However, the jet engine program, given its complexity and significance, will likely see separate funding approval from the CCS.

The engine, rated at 110kN of thrust, is expected to be a cornerstone of the AMCA, providing the necessary power for supercruise capabilities, a feature of sixth-generation fighters that allows for sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, enhancing both range and combat effectiveness. The choice of partner is pivotal as it will involve not just technology transfer but also joint research and development, ensuring that India benefits from cutting-edge propulsion technology while fostering its indigenous capabilities.

The collaboration will likely involve one of the global aerospace giants, with Safran of France, Rolls-Royce of the UK, and General Electric of the US being among the frontrunners. The choice will hinge on factors like technology transfer terms, cost, and the strategic benefits of the partnership not just for the AMCA but for future Indian aerospace projects.

This development comes at a time when India is aggressively pursuing self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The AMCA program is not just about acquiring a new fighter jet but is seen as a catalyst for advancing India’s aerospace sector, from design to production, fostering innovation, and creating high-tech jobs.

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