AMCA | IMR

HAL to Boost Su-30MKI Engine Output, Launch New Shakti Line

IMR Reporter — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:18:23 +0000

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will significantly expand its engine production
capacity, raising annual output of AL-31FP engines for the Indian Air Force’s Su-
30MKI fleet from 30 to 50 units. At the same time, HAL will establish a second
production line for the Shakti helicopter engine at its Koraput division, which recently
crossed the milestone of manufacturing 2,000 engines.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended the ceremony, announced that the
new Shakti line will be set up at a cost of ₹218 crore and will have the capacity to
produce up to 100 engines annually by 2028–29. The Shakti engine, co-developed
with French firm Safran, powers the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, its armed
Rudra variant, and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter. The expansion comes as
the armed forces prepare to induct 156 Prachands, ordered under contracts worth
₹62,700 crore in March 2025.
Meanwhile, HAL will invest ₹335 crore to raise AL-31FP engine production. The
Ministry of Defence had earlier signed a ₹26,000 crore contract with HAL in
September 2024 for 240 AL-31FP engines, of which 63 have already been delivered,
surpassing the two-year target.
The Koraput division has a long legacy of manufacturing engines for IAF fighters
including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI, and has overhauled more
than 9,000 engines. Singh described aero-engines as the “heart” of an aircraft,
stressing that mastery of propulsion technology is vital for self-reliance in aerospace
and defence. He highlighted ongoing efforts to develop an indigenous high-thrust
engine for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),
including a proposed ₹5,000 crore investment in testing facilities and raw material
indigenisation.
India’s propulsion challenge remains acute, with the DRDO-developed Kaveri engine
failing to meet thrust requirements for the Tejas fighter, leaving it dependent on
imported GE F404 engines. Delays in F404 deliveries have slowed Tejas Mk-1A
production. To address this, DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment has
proposed co-developing a 120kN-class engine with Safran for the AMCA, a project
worth nearly ₹60,000 crore that awaits clearance from the Cabinet Committee on
Security.

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IAF Seeks Indigenous Ejection Seats from Private Sector Partners

IMR Reporter — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:14:36 +0000

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is prioritizing the development of indigenous ejection seats for its fighter jets, inviting private sector collaboration to enhance self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Currently reliant on imported systems, the IAF aims to address high costs and supply chain vulnerabilities with locally-made solutions tailored to India’s diverse operational needs. Stringent specifications highlight requirements for versatility, all-condition ejection, environmental resilience, and modular design. This initiative aligns with the IAF’s modernization efforts as it prepares for next-gen platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), positioning India to achieve greater autonomy and cost efficiency in defense capabilities.

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IAF Develops Mirage 2000 Trainer to Boost Pilot Training Efficiency

IMR Reporter — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:40:38 +0000

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is developing a Part Task Trainer (PTT) for its Mirage 2000 aircraft to enhance pilot training and operational readiness. This advanced simulation tool will replicate the cockpit environment, allowing pilots to practice flying maneuvers and various operational scenarios without relying on full-motion simulators, which are expensive and limited in availability. The initiative aligns with the IAF’s strategy to maintain pilot proficiency amid transitioning to newer platforms like the Tejas MkII and AMCA, while also supporting the Make in India initiative through collaboration with domestic companies like CAE India and BEL. This move highlights the IAF’s commitment to leveraging technology for cost-effective training solutions.

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IAF to Phase Out Jaguar, MiG-29UPG, and Mirage-2000H by 2030

IMR Reporter — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:59:13 +0000

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its older fourth- generation fighter jets, including the Jaguar, MiG-29UPG, and Mirage-2000H, in a phased manner starting in 2030. This strategic shift aims to bolster India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing through the induction of indigenous platforms like the Tejas MkII and AMCA MkI. The retirement of these aging aircraft will coincide with the production ramp-up of newer models, ensuring a seamless transition and enhanced operational capabilities. The focus on modernizing the IAF’s fleet underscores India’s commitment to maintaining air superiority and advancing its defense industry.

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India Considers GCAP Partnership for AMCA Amid China’s 6th Gen

IMR Reporter — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 11:37:32 +0000

India is contemplating participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) led by the UK, Italy, and Japan to enhance its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project amid China’s advancements in sixth-generation fighters. This collaboration could streamline engine development, potentially enabling India to align its indigenous 5.5-generation AMCA with cutting-edge capabilities by 2035. However, concerns about compromising self-reliance in defense manufacturing and the balance between international cooperation and indigenous development remain. Ultimately, India must weigh the benefits of technological parity and access to advanced systems against its strategic autonomy and the long-term objective of bolstering its air power in response to regional threats.

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Russia Proposes Co-Development of Stealth Nozzle for India’s AMCA

IMR Reporter — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 11:28:56 +0000

Russia has proposed a joint effort to co-develop an advanced flat nozzle for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), contingent on India selecting the Izdeliye 177S engine to power the aircraft. This collaboration aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, enhancing the AMCA’s stealth capabilities against regional adversaries like China’s J-20. However, the proposal carries risks, including reliance on unproven technology and potential delays due to integration challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Ultimately, while this partnership could bolster India’s defense capabilities, careful evaluation against alternative options, such as collaborations with France and the US, remains crucial for strategic diversification.

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GE Aerospace Delivers First F404-IN20 Engine for Tejas Mk1A

IMR Reporter — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:03:31 +0000

GE Aerospace recently delivered the first of 99 F404- IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Mk1A, a crucial step in India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This delivery, after a two-year delay, supports the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization efforts amid concerns over depleting fighter squadrons. The Tejas Mk1A boasts advanced features like AESA radar and improved avionics, reinforcing its role as the backbone of the IAF’s future fleet. While the project has faced challenges, including reliance on foreign engines, India’s defense strategy aims to enhance indigenous capabilities and foster partnerships for future aircraft like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which will require advanced engine technology collaboration. The ongoing commitment from GE and other foreign firms indicates a significant step toward fulfilling India’s defense aspirations in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

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Rolls-Royce Commits to Co-Develop AMCA Engine for India’s Self-Reliance

IMR Reporter — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:42:25 +0000

Rolls-Royce has expressed a strong commitment to partnering with India for the co-development of a next- generation engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), aiming to enhance India’s self-reliance in defense through a comprehensive model that includes both intellectual property rights and essential engineering knowledge. This collaboration aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, allowing for potential future exports and reduced dependency on foreign engine suppliers. The successful development of an indigenous engine would not only bolster India’s aerospace capabilities but also pave the way for future fighter jet projects, solidifying India’s position in the global defense market. The Indian government’s decision will be pivotal for long-term indigenous aircraft development.

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Defence Secretary Leads Push for Early AMCA Induction by 2033

IMR Reporter — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:21:05 +0000

A committee led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is expediting the induction of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) into the Indian Air Force, potentially ahead of the 2035 timeline. The phased introduction of the AMCA Mk1, powered by the General Electric F414 engine, aims for service entry by 2033, enhancing India’s air combat capabilities amid evolving regional threats. While the initiative supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, challenges include integrating cutting-edge technologies and addressing engine development for the more advanced AMCA Mk2. The early deployment of the AMCA Mk1 is crucial for strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing and improving operational readiness against contemporary adversaries.

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Debate Over Upgrading Rafale’s Radar with Indigenous GaN Tech

IMR Reporter — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:53:58 +0000

India’s recent introduction of a GaN-based AESA radar for the AMCA and Super Sukhoi upgrade has sparked debate over upgrading the Rafale jets’ GaS radar with indigenous technology. The indigenous radar promises enhanced capabilities, including greater autonomy from French approvals for weapon integration. However, obstacles such as intellectual property rights and the need for rigorous re-certification processes pose challenges. While immediate upgrades may be risky, collaboration with France on incremental enhancements could enhance compatibility with Indian systems. Ultimately, India’s focus on indigenous development aligns with its self-reliance goals, potentially reducing dependence on foreign technology while advancing its defense capabilities.

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