Decades of Ambition Realized: India to Build 5th-Gen Fighter Engines

India is poised to become a domestic manufacturer of fifth-generation fighter engines, a long-cherished goal of its aerospace sector. Russia has given the green light for full technology transfer of the Izdeliye 177S engine, the power plant for the Su-57E, to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This historic development will enable HAL’s facility in Koraput, Odisha, to produce one of the world’s most advanced fighter engines, placing India in an elite global club alongside the US, Russia, and China. The Izdeliye 177S engine offers superior performance characteristics, including high thrust, supercruise capability, and three-dimensional thrust vectoring, enhancing aerial combat effectiveness. The transfer agreement prioritizes increasing Indian manufacturing content, aiming for over 80% within a decade. This move is crucial for strengthening the Indian Air Force by ensuring supply chain security and fostering a domestic ecosystem for high-tech materials and precision engineering. Russia’s decision to share this technology reflects a strategic partnership aimed at stabilizing its defense production amid international pressures. Unlike previous attempts that faced limitations in accessing critical data, this new deal promises complete access to manufacturing processes, material specifications, and control system architecture. Production is projected to commence between 2029 and 2030, with significant investment in infrastructure. The capabilities gained will not only benefit future indigenous projects but also enable substantial upgrades to existing Sukhoi aircraft, positioning India as a self-reliant aerospace power capable of dictating its own technological destiny.