India’s pursuit of advanced defense technologies, such as a sixth-generation aero-engine, faces significant challenges, but the country’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sees a potential path forward through international collaboration. Samir V. Kamat, the Chairman of DRDO, recently stated that the development of such high-tech engines and other complex technologies will require co-development with foreign manufacturers. He emphasized that while India has made considerable strides in defense technology, it currently lacks the expertise and infrastructure to independently develop such sophisticated systems.
The sixth-generation aero-engine, which is expected to offer cutting-edge capabilities like enhanced performance, advanced stealth features, and possibly autonomous flight control, is critical to the future of India’s defense and aerospace sectors. However, creating these technologies demands a combination of advanced research, infrastructure, and expertise, which India, at this point, cannot fully achieve alone. As Kamat pointed out, the only feasible solution is to partner with established global aerospace firms to co-develop these systems.
Furthermore, Kamat noted a key hurdle India must address to advance its defense technology: the country allocates only 5% of its defense budget to research and development (R&D). This is relatively low compared to global standards, and Kamat suggested that India needs to significantly boost this figure to around 15% to foster innovation, speed up the development of critical technologies, and ensure self-reliance in defense.
The collaboration with foreign manufacturers, combined with increased investment in R&D, could greatly accelerate India’s ability to develop advanced defense systems, including the sixth-generation aero-engine. As India continues to focus on enhancing its technological capabilities, strengthening partnerships and increasing R&D investments will be key factors in moving the nation toward a more self-sufficient and technologically advanced future in aerospace and defense.
