Overview
- During a review at DRDO’s GTRE in Bengaluru, the defence minister told scientists to compress typical multi-decade development into five years and start work on sixth‑generation propulsion using AI, machine learning and advanced materials.
- GTRE has issued an Expression of Interest to shortlist an Indian development‑cum‑production partner for a high‑thrust engine, with submissions due March 26 and bids to be opened the next day.
- He reviewed ongoing projects and witnessed a full afterburner test of the Kaveri engine, signaling incremental progress on indigenous propulsion efforts.
- Persistent delays in GE F404/F414 deliveries from the United States are constraining HAL’s Tejas Mk1A assembly and induction schedules, reinforcing the urgency of a sovereign engine.
- International engagement continues with a completed joint study with the UK and talks with France, reports of Safran and Rolls‑Royce discussions for technology transfer or co‑development, and an India–France defence dialogue in Bengaluru on Feb. 17 focused on expanding industrial collaboration.