Historical Context: HF-24 Marut’s Engine Failure
- India’s first indigenous jet fighter (HF-24 Marut) failed not due to design but due to underpowered imported engines (Orpheus 703).
- Ambitious project led by German engineer Kurt Tank.
- Its performance in combat was limited; only 147 units built before being phased out.
- Showed early how engine dependency undermines indigenous aircraft potential.
Relevance : GS 3(Technology ),GS 2(Governance )
Kaveri Engine: Persistent Challenges
- Launched in 1989 for the LCA Tejas, but failed despite ₹2,032 crore investment.
- Issues: Low thrust-to-weight ratio, poor reliability, and thermal management flaws.
- Multiple revivals failed — including with French Snecma and Safran.
- Kaveri’s failure forced reliance on GE’s F404 engines for Tejas, compromising performance and payload.
Operational Setbacks Due to Foreign Delays
- GE delayed delivery of 99 engines for LCA Mk1A by 13 months, affecting commissioning schedules.
- Caused concern as IAF combat strength fell from 42.5 to ~30 squadrons.
- Air Chief bluntly criticized delays, calling for readiness over planning.
Stalled Engine Transfer Deals
- The GE-F414 engine (for LCA Mk2 and AMCA Mk1) deal hit a roadblock.
- GE demands extra $500 million and refuses to share core technologies (e.g. single-crystal blades, thermal coatings).
- Reflects global reluctance to share sensitive tech, despite India’s demands for full transfer.
Wider Dependence Beyond Air Force
- Army: Arjun tanks use German MTU engines, Zorawar light tanks use U.S. Cummins engines.
- Navy: All indigenous ships use foreign propulsion — Russian, Ukrainian, French, U.S., or German.
- Highlights that engine dependence is across Army, Navy, and Air Force, not just IAF.
Strategic & Economic Implications
- Foreign engine reliance:
- Delays indigenous programmes.
- Hampers exports (due to third-party clearances).
- Makes India vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.
- China, U.S., France dominate aerospace due to engine self-sufficiency.
Need for Strategic Vision
- Engine development is not just technical, but political and structural:
- India lacks long-term defence R&D vision.
- Funding is fragmented and short-term.
- Experts call for:
- Structural reforms.
- Strong political backing.
- Public-private-academic partnerships.
- Integrating Atmanirbhar Bharat with serious policy execution.
Conclusion: Autonomy is Non-Negotiable
- India’s AMCA and LCA future hinges on resolving the propulsion gap.
- Indigenous engine capability is essential for:
- Military readiness.
- Credible deterrence.
- Export potential.
- Without it, India’s defence ambitions will remain strategically compromised.
