The Defence sector of India is making strides towards self-reliance. These are the remarks of the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, made on Tuesday, with him adding that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pursuing indigenous projects. IAF’s Deputy Chief then showed confidence that India is aiming to develop its own engine within the time span of the next 10-12 years.
This ambitious goal requires concerted efforts from both the defence sector and industry stakeholders.
"We are exploring indigenous engine production, and potentially, within 10-12 years, we will have an indigenous engine. That is our goal. If you put your efforts into it and if the industry puts their efforts into it, then it will definitely be achieved," the Air Marshal said on the sidelines of the Aero Tech India in Delhi.
His comments come as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is working with American General Electric (GE) to acquire GE-404 engines for the Light Combat (LCA) Aircraft Mk-1. The company has reportedly promised to ramp up its manufacturing with the expectation of delivering a total of 12 engines at the end of the financial year 2025.
Further speaking on “Aatmanirbharta”, he cited, "We are looking at self-reliance. While indigenisation is the way forward because we are never able to indigenize 100% in one go, you start with whatever you can. and thereafter, ultimately, we reach 100%. In times of crisis, you can't bank on anybody. It has to be yourself. If something comes, then it is a bonus. However, it must originate within the country. So, indigenisation is a prerequisite", the Air Marshal said.
"We have just signed the contract for an additional 97 LCAs. We are looking at LCA Mark 2 in the coming years. We are also investing in AMCA. Those are the products to move forward with. But it will take time. So in the immediate future, we need to fill that gap. So that effort is on," he said.
Earlier today, while speaking at the Aero Tech India 2025 organised by FICCI in partnership with CAPSS, Air Marshal Bharti told industry leaders and policymakers that even 99 per cent indigenous content was insufficient if critical components remained import-dependent.
"If the supplies of those critical components are choked, we will not be able to ramp up production when needed," Bharti said, adding, "We need to put our innovation on afterburner. This cruise setting will not do.”
Recently, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) penned a contract with HAL for the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, including 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters, along with associated equipment, for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of over Rs 62,370 crore. These aircraft are expected to start in 2027-28.
The aircraft will have an indigenous content of over 64 per cent, with 67 additional items incorporated, over and above the previous LCA Mk1A contract signed in January 2021.
Follow us
