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SOURCE: AFI

At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) in Zhuhai, over 60 new Chinese-developed aerospace engine products are on display, underscoring the country’s rapid progress in engine development. Nearly half of these engines are debuting at this year’s event, including China’s first domestically developed high-bypass twin-rotor turbofan engine, the AEF1200. This engine represents a milestone for China’s aerospace industry, showing a commitment to producing advanced turbofan technology needed for high-performance, large aircraft.

Meanwhile, India’s efforts to develop indigenous engines are hampered by limited government support and funding. While Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other defense agencies have made some progress, much of their work relies on internal funding, particularly in developing the HTFE-25 and HTSE-1200 engines. The HTFE-25, a 25 kN turbofan engine, and the HTSE-1200, a turboshaft engine, are under development by HAL to power future Indian aircraft and helicopters. However, unlike China’s recent investments, India’s indigenous engine programs face substantial financial constraints, restricting their advancement.

India’s Dry Kaveri engine program, another attempt at building an indigenous fighter jet engine, also suffers from inadequate funding. Initially conceived as part of the Kaveri engine family intended for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the Dry Kaveri variant remains underfunded and far from ready for deployment. This low-thrust variant has potential applications in UAVs and other smaller platforms, but limited financial commitment has delayed its development timeline and left its future uncertain.

In terms of operational achievements, only the Manik engine, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), has entered production. The Manik engine powers India’s Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), marking a step forward for indigenous engine capability in missile technology. However, its narrow application and limited production do not fulfill India’s broader requirement for versatile, high-performance aviation engines, leaving a gap in the nation’s aviation capabilities.

India’s underfunded engine programs stand in stark contrast to China’s visible commitment to aerospace advancement, as seen at Airshow China 2024. For India to bridge the gap, increased funding and strategic focus on engine development are crucial. Prioritizing investment in the HTFE-25 and HTSE-1200 engines could unlock substantial capabilities for the Indian military, reducing reliance on foreign engines and strengthening India’s position as an aviation power.

The Chinese example highlights what is possible with sustained investment and a clear goal of aerospace self-sufficiency. To realize its ambitions, India may need to adopt a similar approach, focusing on comprehensive funding and targeted development for its engine programs. A commitment to nurturing indigenous aviation technology can pave the way for India’s defense and commercial aviation industries, ultimately enabling self-reliance in critical aerospace technologies.