WINNING OUR WINGS

Though several high-profile acquisition of weapons platforms have made headlines, the Indian defence industry, aided by the government's Make in India push, has taken giant strides towards self-reliance. Manufacture of jet engines for the indigenous Tejas LCA Mk 2, the thriving Indian drone industry and the nation's cybersecurity efforts are three crucial areas where key innovations will take place, propelling India towards its destiny as a true military superpower

- PRADIP R. SAGAR

THE RPM OF CHANGE

THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY BY THE US FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF THE F414 JET ENGINE WILL ENABLE INDIA TO ABSORB IMMENSE TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO PRODUCE HI-TECH ENGINES OF ITS OWN IN FUTURE

It is a vision to be hoped for-a sixth generation indigenous fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) screaming through the sky, its contrail a jagged white against the blue, and an India-made engine responding gamely to the demands of high speed propulsion as well as power and cooling for the aircraft's advanced sensors and weapons systems. To make the above scene a reality by 2047, Indian aeronautical engineers and designers have their task cut out. The most crucial part of a jet aircraft-its engine-has proven to be a hurdle for most. Consider this fact: there are around 40 aircraft manufacturers in the world, but only four countries-the US, UK, Russia and France-have the technology to completely design, develop and produce military aircraft engines. The inability of the indigenous Kaveri engine, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, to meet the parameters to power a fighter jet delayed India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) fighter jet programme. LCA Tejas manufacturers Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) had to settle for F404 engines made by the US firm GE Aerospace. Recently, the US has agreed to transfer 80 per cent jet engine technology to India for the joint production of the more powerful GE F414 engine. The GE F414 engines will power HAL’s LCA Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet.

WHY IT IS A GAME CHANGER