New Delhi. Making a fighter plane in the world is a big achievement, but making a state-of-the-art jet engine for it is considered an even more difficult task. Engines require thousands of components, materials that operate at extremely high temperatures, and extremely precise engineering. This is why the technology of advanced military jet engines is concentrated in a few selected countries and companies.
America, Britain, France and Russia have had a strong position in this region for a long time. Now China is also rapidly advancing its indigenous engine technology. The real challenge of a jet engine is not just to run the engine, but to develop the turbine blades, high-temperature alloys, compressor and other very complex technologies on a large scale.
What is the situation in India?
India has long tried to develop its capacity in this area. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed the Kaveri engine. Under this project, many prototypes were prepared and thousands of hours of testing took place.
However, the Kaveri engine in its current form could not achieve sufficient performance to meet the requirements of the Tejas fighter aircraft. This is the reason why foreign engines are being used in the current versions of Tejas. Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has also received the supply of F404 engine from American GE Aerospace for Tejas MK-1A.
Now the picture is changing
India is now emphasizing on indigenous aero-engine capability to reduce foreign dependence. In February 2026, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited GTRE to review indigenous military gas turbine engine projects. Testing of Kaveri engine was also seen during this period. Apart from this, avenues of partnership with foreign companies are also being explored for future fighter aircraft in India.
The real challenge is yet to come
India has significantly increased its capabilities in aircraft manufacturing, radar, missiles and other defense sectors, but making completely indigenous and state-of-the-art fighter aircraft engines is still a big technical challenge. In the coming years, the technology obtained from Kaveri and possible partnerships with foreign companies can play an important role in taking India forward in this field.