India Seeks Japanese Tech to Power Next-Gen Fighter Jets & Tanks

In a move that promises to reshape India's defence manufacturing landscape, the Indian government is reportedly exploring the incorporation of Japanese technology for the co-production of next-generation engines for fighter jets and tanks. This strategic dialogue, initiated at the historic Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, was marked by a high-level meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani.

Tapping into a Legacy of Engine Excellence

IHI F7 engine for test (Source - Wikipedia) 

Japanese expertise in aero-engine and tank propulsion technologies spans nearly a century. Companies such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, which form the backbone of Japan's Aero Engine Corporation, have a long track record of designing and manufacturing high-performance powerplants for global markets.

These engines, built using advanced materials like high-temperature alloys and precision machining techniques, are used in some of the world's most demanding aviation and armored applications.

By collaborating with Japan, India intends to leverage this deep technical know-how to overcome persistent bottlenecks in its indigenous engine programs, such as those for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Tejas Mark II.

Engine Technologies: From Fighter Jets to Tanks

The technical challenges involved in developing engines for modern fighter jets and tanks are formidable but distinct. For fighter jets, propulsion systems must feature an exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio, high fuel efficiency, and the ability to operate reliably at high altitudes and speeds. They incorporate cutting-edge combustion systems, turbine blades made from exotic alloys, and advanced digital control systems that optimize performance under extreme conditions.

On the other hand, tank engines require immense low-end torque and efficient power delivery to support heavy armor and unpredictable terrains. They must also deliver consistent performance across long operational periods without compromising on durability.

By joining forces, India and Japan hope to combine India’s robust manufacturing practices—evident in its success in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts for US warships—with Japan’s innovative engine design capabilities, creating a synthesis that could set new standards for military propulsion technologies.

Enhancing Broader Defence Capabilities

General Electric GEnx engine, specifically designed for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Japan's IHI has responsibility for the design, manufacture and assembly of about 13% of the engine, which primarily include the rotating members of the low pressure turbine, the aft part of the high pressure compressor airfoils, and fan mid-shaft. GEnx is a trademark of GE

The discussions between India and Japan were not confined solely to engine technology. Both leaders recognized the value of a holistic defence partnership, which included mutual cooperation in emerging domains such as automation, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and space technology. This broader approach is expected to boost the overall capabilities of Indian forces aboard air, land, and sea. Notably, Japan’s invitation to India to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), aimed at developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, underscores the strategic depth of this multifaceted collaboration.

Such initiatives not only bolster the immediate technological edge but also set the stage for long-term transfer of cutting-edge technology and skills—a critical component in India's "Make in India" vision for self-reliance in defence production.

Geo-strategic Implications and Future Prospects

F7-10 Turbo fan engine rear, at Iwaguni Air Base.

Amid shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, the India–Japan co-production initiative marks a significant step forward in strategic defence ties. Deepened military collaboration between the two nations is expected to serve as a counterbalance to regional threats while reinforcing maritime cooperation and regional stability.

Over the coming years, joint production ventures like the engine co-development project could catalyze further innovation in both nations’ defence sectors and stimulate a ripple effect across related high-tech industries.

Moreover, the successful fusion of Japanese technological finesse with India’s robust industrial base may pave the way for additional collaborative projects and enhance not only combat performance but also the resilience of supply chains in critical defence domains.

The initiative signals a new era where international co-production is not merely about sharing costs but is fundamentally about integrating complementary strengths. For India, this is not just a stop-gap measure to overcome current challenges in fighter jet and tank engine development—it is a strategic investment in future technological capabilities.

By harnessing the established expertise of Japanese manufacturers, India can fast-track its journey toward building world-class defence hardware that meets the rigorous demands of modern warfare. In doing so, the Indo-Japan partnership is setting a gold standard in defence innovation—one that will undoubtedly capture the attention of global defence analysts and industry leaders alike.

Indian-Norwegian Deeptech Aerospace Startup SiriNor Successfully Tests World’s 1st All-Electric Jet Engine

SiriNor, a deeptech aerospace startup based in India and Norway, has successfully completed the on-ground test of its all-electric jet engine in Pune, marking a key milestone for the future of clean aviation.

The test, which achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) under NASA’s framework, proved that SiriNor’s proprietary engine can deliver both the performance and scalability needed for commercial use. The engine exceeded its design targets, reaching over 40,000 RPM and delivering 10 kgf of thrust, demonstrating its readiness for commercial development and real-world applications.

SiriNor is addressing a jet engine market projected to exceed USD 100 billion by 2030, at a time when aviation emissions and costs are under growing scrutiny. With a power-agnostic design compatible with both batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, the electric jet engine is built for application across drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to regional aircraft and seaplanes, targeting both civilian and defence markets.

Approaching commercialisation in a phased manner, SiriNor will integrate its engine with UAVs, targeting rollout by mid-2026. Building on this foundation, SiriNor will expand to seaplanes and ground-effect vehicles, aiming for certification and market entry in 2027. The final phase focuses on scaling up for regional and civil aircraft, with integration and certification planned for 2030. This staged process allows SiriNor to validate its technology, gain operational experience, and accelerate adoption—starting with drones and scaling to mainstream, zero-emission flight across the aviation sector.

SiriNor has already attracted early-stage investment from Shell E4, DCM Shriram, and several prominent angels, and has secured a valuation exceeding USD 20 million. The company is preparing to raise another USD 5 million in 2025 to accelerate commercialization.

Seven Letters of Intent (LOIs) have been signed with global partners in the UAV, ground-effect vehicle, and small aircraft sectors. SiriNor has also already signed an MoU with Genser Aerospace earlier in 2025 to integrate its electric jet engine into Genser’s Light Business Programme.

“We had the fortune of meeting Abhijeet at a startup conference and were deeply impressed by his passion and commitment to building a sustainable electric jet engine. After hearing Abhijeet’s pitch, it was clear to me that this was serious, homegrown technology being developed right here in India. I truly believe this represents the future of aviation, and I’m proud to be part of this journey,” said Mr. Alok B Shriram, CEO, DCM Shriram Industries Ltd.

By eliminating combustion and the need for exotic materials, the SiriNor engine cuts manufacturing costs by 30% and reduces maintenance by 40%. The flexible engine architecture lowers barriers to adoption, enables easier retrofitting, and is highly relevant for both emerging and established aviation manufacturers.

Ivar Aune, Chairman & CEO, SiriNor, said –

This ground test is not just a technical milestone. It’s a moment of validation for our amazing team and our common vision. I’m incredibly proud of our team, who have dedicated five relentless years to reaching this point. Their hard work, perseverance, and never-say-die attitude made this achievement possible. TRL6 is a result of their hard work and a testament to their belief in our mission.

Abhijeet Inamdar, Co-founder and CEO, SiriNor India, added,

Our engine architecture is designed for flexibility at its core, enabling us to usher in a new era of emission-free, electrified aviation. I’m proud to be part of this transformative journey and to contribute meaningfully to the Make-in-India mission.

This breakthrough aligns with India’s push for sustainable aviation and could disrupt the USD 100 billion jet engine market.

Disclaimer by SiriNor: The electric jet engine highlighted in this news has completed laboratory testing at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) under controlled conditions. Some figures and projections shared are based on assumptions regarding current market conditions and supply chain constructs. These results are preliminary and subject to further validation through real-world testing and regulatory review.

The World's First Fully-Electric Jet Engine(s) 

SiriNor claims its jet engine is the world’s first all-electric jet engine, However, verifying whether it is truly the first requires comparing it to other electric propulsion systems developed globally.

While electric aircraft propulsion has been explored before—such as NASA’s X-57 Maxwell and Rolls-Royce’s Spirit of Innovation —these systems primarily use electric propellers rather than a true jet engine. SiriNor’s design appears to be distinct in that it mimics traditional jet propulsion while being fully electric.

SiriNor's engine uses true jet propulsion, whereas electric aircraft like NASA's X-57 Maxwell and Rolls-Royce's Spirit of Innovation rely on electric propellers.

If Power Source is considered, SiriNor's design is power-agnostic, meaning it can run on battery systems or hydrogen fuel cells, making it more adaptable.

SiriNor's engine achieved 40,000 RPM and 10 kgf thrust, proving its feasibility for UAVs, seaplanes, and regional aircraft.

For the scalability, the young Indian startup company plans to scale up to regional aircraft by 2030, whereas most electric propulsion systems today are limited to small planes and drones.

About SiriNor

Operating between Norway and India, SiriNor has pioneered a tip-driven propulsion system using distributed edge-mounted motors instead of a central hub that results in significantly lower operating temperatures, simplified manufacturing resulting into at least 30% lower costs. SiriNor aims to license its technology and partner with established global suppliers for contract manufacturing. The engine is power-agnostic and compatible with both electric battery packs and hydrogen fuel cells, enabling adaptable deployment across aviation's evolving energy landscape.

SiriNor will now advance to TRL 7 testing of its 40cm x50 cm prototype, with plans to commercialise the UAV engine by mid-2026 with the goal of scaling toward commercial aviation platforms by 2030. The company’s staged approach from UAVs to regional aircraft positions it as a pragmatic, innovation-driven player in the race to decarbonise the aviation sector.

SiriNor has already raised early-stage funding, crossing USD 20 million valuation following its successful TRL-6 test, with plans to raise another USD 5 million in Q2 of 2025.

The Founders

Ivar Aune

Based in Stavanger, Norway Ivar Aune is the CEO and Chairman of SiriNor. With over 20 years of leadership experience in venture capital, energy technology, and engineering, Ivar leads SiriNor’s global strategy and product roadmap.

At SiriNor, Ivar drives the company’s mission to develop power-agnostic electric jet engines, scaling from UAV to aircraft. His leadership bridges Norway’s deep engineering tradition with India’s emerging aerospace ecosystem, positioning SiriNor at the forefront of clean aviation. Prior to SiriNor, Ivar served as Investment Director at Equinor Ventures, where he was involved in 30 transactions including investments in hydrogen and fusion energy companies as well as several successful exits.

He has served on the boards of over a dozen startups in energy transition, drilling technology, and industrial automation. Ivar holds an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from NTNU and has formal training in project management from OsloMet. His career spans roles at Statoil, Norsk Hydro, and global advisory boards, giving him cross-functional expertise in engineering, finance, and scaling deeptech ventures.

Abhijeet Inamdar

Abhijeet Inamdar is the co-founder and India CEO of SiriNor, a Norwegian-Indian aerospace startup developing the world’s first scalable electric jet engine. With more than 20 years of global experience across energy, aviation, and deeptech, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and commercial leadership to the clean aviation sector.

At SiriNor, Abhijeet along with Ivar, leads strategy, team building, fundraising, and partnerships, driving the company’s mission to build zero-emission, power-agnostic jet engines for UAVs, seaplanes, and regional aircraft. His work focuses on aligning advanced propulsion technologies with the future needs of sustainable aviation.

Prior to SiriNor, Abhijeet served as an investment manager at Equinor, where he led strategic technology investments in areas such as emissions monitoring, artificial intelligence, hydrogen, and mobility. During his time there, he held board positions in several high-growth startups, including SeekOps, Reveal Energy Services, and Ambyint, and also advised Advanced Aircraft Company, a US-based hybrid drone startup.

Abhijeet holds a master’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He was featured in Hart Energy Journal’s 40 Under 40 Investors in North America in 2019, and in 2022, was recognized by Passion Vista Journal as one of the Most Admired Global Indians.

Stealth, Supercruise & AI: India’s 6th-Gen Jet Engine Deal Edges Closer

India is on the verge of finalizing a $4.5 billion deal for the development of a 6th-generation jet engine to power its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, said a report by idrw.org, an online media portal that tracks Defence related issues. 

According to the report, the agreement, expected to be sealed by July 2025, involves negotiations with General Electric (GE), Safran, and Rolls-Royce, with Rolls-Royce emerging as the frontrunner due to its experience with 6th-gen engine technology. 

Representative Image

Notably, United Kingdom, Italy & Japan are collaborating on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), and Rolls-Royce is leading the engine development.

A 6th-generation jet engine represents a significant leap from its predecessors, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, adaptability, and combat effectiveness. Unlike traditional engines, 6th-gen engines can switch between high-thrust and fuel-efficient modes optimizing performance for different mission profiles.

Currently, no country has an operational 6th-generation jet engine, but several nations are actively developing them as part of their next-generation fighter programs.

These engines enable sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, reducing fuel consumption and increasing stealth. The 6th gen Jet-Engine also boast of embedded Al systems that monitor engine health in real time, predicting failures before they occur, minimizing downtime. Advanced cooling techniques allow for higher operational temperatures, improving thrust and efficiency.

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk-1 is India's 5th-generation stealth fighter, designed to enhance the Indian Air Force's air combat capabilities.

Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO, the AMCA Mk-1 is expected to enter prototype testing by 2030 and mass production by 2033-34

The AMCA Mk-1 will initially use GE F414 engines (98 kN thrust), but the Mk-2 variant, expected by 2040, requires a more powerful 110-130 kN engine to enable supercruise, stealth compatibility, and advanced AI-driven systems.

The 6th-gen engine will incorporate variable cycle technology for superior fuel efficiency and thermal management, laying the foundation for future Indian fighter programs.

This initiative is crucial for India's defense modernization, ensuring self-reliance in advanced propulsion technology and countering regional threats like China’s J-20s. The Indian Air Force (IAF) aims to reach 42-squadron strength by 2047, making timely development of this engine a strategic priority.

Currently, no country has an operational 6th-generation jet engine, but several nations are actively developing them as part of their next-generation fighter programs.

United States is working on Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and F/A-XX programs, expected to feature adaptive cycle engines.

While, United Kingdom, Italy & Japan Collaborating on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), with Rolls-Royce leading engine development.

Rolls-Royce in 6th-generation Jet Engine Development

Representative Image

Rolls-Royce is actively involved in 6th-generation jet engine development, particularly through its contributions to the UK-led Tempest program under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The company is focusing on adaptive cycle technology, which allows engines to switch between high-thrust and fuel-efficient modes, enhancing performance for next-gen fighters.

Rolls-Royce has emerged as a frontrunner in India's $4.5 billion 6th-gen engine deal, competing with GE and Safran 2.

It has offered full technology transfer and local production, ensuring India gains complete Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over the engine.

The proposed 110-130 kN thrust engine will be custom-built for India's AMCA Mk-2, incorporating stealth optimization, supercruise capability, and Al-driven maintenance.

The company’s experience with advanced propulsion makes it a strong contender for India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology.

General Electric (GE) and Safran

Representative Image

On the other side, both General Electric (GE) and Safran are actively involved in 6th-generation jet engine development, competing for India's $4.5 billion AMCA Mk-2 propulsion deal.

General Electric (GE) is offering an adaptive cycle engine, similar to its XA100 prototype, which enables fuel efficiency, high thrust, and thermal management.

The company has previous experience with India, supplying GE F414 engines for the Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA Mk-1.

GE's proposal includes technology transfer, but India may not receive full Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

Safran is focusing on stealth optimization and supercruise capability, leveraging its expertise from Rafale's M88 engine. The company has proposed 100% technology transfer, allowing India to manufacture and modify the engine independently.

Safran's engine design is expected to incorporate variable cycle technology, enhancing adaptability across different flight conditions.

India's Decision

Rolls-Royce has emerged as the frontrunner due to its experience with 6th-gen propulsion and willingness to transfer full IPR.

GE and Safran remain strong contenders, with India weighing self-reliance vs. proven technology.

Godrej Aerospace's Kaveri Engine Delivery: A Milestone in India's Defense Manufacturing

India's aerospace and defense sector has taken a significant leap forward with Godrej Aerospace's delivery of the first two modules of the Kaveri derivative engine to the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). This event marks a crucial milestone in India's journey toward self-reliance in military aviation technology.

The Kaveri Engine is India’s indigenous jet engine project developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO. It was originally intended to power the HAL Tejas fighter aircraft but faced technical challenges that delayed its deployment.

Why Is This Delivery Important?

The Kaveri engine project has long been a symbol of India's ambition to develop indigenous jet propulsion technology. Originally conceived to power the HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the program faced technical challenges that led to its delinking from the Tejas project. However, the Kaveri derivative engine, a 48 kN dry thrust variant, has found new applications, particularly in autonomous air vehicles. 

Godrej Aerospace's successful delivery of these modules demonstrates India's growing capability in precision manufacturing and advanced engineering. The company has committed to delivering six more modules by the end of 2025, fulfilling a critical order placed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Strengthening India's Defense Ecosystem

This collaboration between GTRE and Godrej Aerospace highlights the increasing synergy between India's government research institutions and private industry players. By leveraging its expertise in precision engineering, Godrej Aerospace is contributing to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defense technology.

 

Moreover, the successful production of these engine modules lays the groundwork for future advancements, including India's aspirations to develop a 5th-generation fighter jet engine. The experience gained from manufacturing the Kaveri derivative engine will be instrumental in shaping India's next-generation propulsion systems.

Looking Ahead

With the remaining six modules set for delivery, India is steadily advancing toward indigenous unmanned aerial technology. The Kaveri derivative engine's role in autonomous air vehicles could pave the way for future stealth drones and combat UAVs, strengthening India's aerial defense capabilities.

Godrej Aerospace's achievement is more than just a delivery—it is a testament to India's evolving defense manufacturing prowess. As the country continues to innovate and refine its aerospace technology, this milestone serves as a stepping stone toward a future where India stands among the global leaders in military aviation.

India lacks high-altitude testing facilities, forcing reliance on foreign testing centers. Efforts are underway to develop Kaveri 2.0, which aims to bridge the gap with modern fifth-generation engines.

India Achieves Milestone in Next-Gen Hypersonic Missiles Development, Successfully Conducts Ground Test of Scramjet Engine

The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted a successful ground test of a scramjet engine. This test marks a significant milestone in India's development of next-generation hypersonic missiles.

A scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) is a type of airbreathing jet engine designed to operate at extremely high speeds, typically greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). Unlike traditional jet engines, scramjets do not have rotating compressors or turbines. Instead, they use the high speed of the vehicle to compress incoming air before combustion.

Here are some key details of the ground test by DRDO:

1. Test Duration: The scramjet combustor ground test lasted for 120 seconds, demonstrating stable combustion and successful ignition.

 

2. Speed: Hypersonic missiles, powered by scramjet engines, can travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound or more than 5,400 km/hr).

3. Technological Achievements: The test showcased several notable achievements, including an innovative flame stabilization technique that maintains continuous combustion at air speeds exceeding 1.5 km/s.

4. Indigenous Development: The indigenous development of endothermic scramjet fuel, the first time in India, jointly by DRDL and Industry is central to this breakthrough.

The endothermic scramjet fuel offers significant cooling improvements and ease of ignition. The team developed a special manufacturing process to achieve stringent fuel requirements of DRDL at Industrial scale.

A state-of-the-art ceramic thermal barrier coating (TBC) was developed to withstand extreme temperatures encountered during hypersonic flight.

TBC is an another key achievement along side the Scramjet. The TBC developed is designed to withstand extreme temperatures encountered during hypersonic flight. A new advanced ceramic TBC having high thermal resistance & capable of operating beyond melting point of steel has been jointly developed by DRDL and Department of Science & Technology (DST) Laboratory.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the DRDO and industry partners for this achievement, highlighting its importance for advancing India's hypersonic missile capabilities.

Scramjets are primarily used in experimental and military applications, such as hypersonic missiles and Space planes.