Modi seeks Made-in-India jet engines in self-reliance push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday made a strong case for building jet engines in the country, putting the spotlight on a striking technology gap and stressing that self-reliance is the linchpin of India’s efforts towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

- Rahul Singh

"I urge India's young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals and all government departments that we should have our own jet engines for our Made-in-India fighter jets," Modi said in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort.

Developing jet engines will ensure future defence technology is entirely home-grown, he said.

The light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-IA) programme, crucial for the Indian Air Force to shore up its fleet, is running behind schedule due to several reasons, including a delay in the supply of F404-IN20 engines by US firm GE Aerospace. Also, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is negotiating with GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines in India for the more advanced LCA Mk-2 programme. The deal will involve 80% transfer of technology and is estimated to be worth around $1 billion.

The PM said India should tap into its spirit of innovation to build jet engines.

"Just like how we made vaccines during Covid, and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) for digital payments, we should build our own jet engines too. Our scientists and youth must take it up as a direct challenge," he said.