Baba Kalyani Urges United Push for Indigenous Aero Engines

Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has made a compelling case for a joint effort between India’s private companies, public sector organisations, and academic institutions to achieve self-sufficiency in one of the most challenging frontiers of defence technology: the development of indigenous aero engines.

Speaking recently, Mr. Kalyani emphasized the readiness of Indian industry to invest in cutting-edge technologies and high-performance weapon systems. He pointed out that achieving true self-reliance in the aerospace sector cannot be done in isolation—it demands the combined strengths of multiple stakeholders. “Industry Consortia, a must, to develop Made-in-India aero engines,” he stated, underlining the urgency of moving beyond dependence on foreign engine suppliers.

India has made notable strides in its aerospace capabilities over the years. The successful development of platforms such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, and the Akash missile system reflect the nation’s growing competence in complex aerospace engineering. However, a persistent challenge remains: the inability to produce high-performance jet engines domestically. India still relies heavily on foreign suppliers—like the U.S.-made GE F404 engines and Russia’s AL-31FP engines—for powering many of its frontline aircraft.

This dependency comes with long-term strategic and financial costs. In times of geopolitical tension, access to spare parts, upgrades, or future engine variants may not always be guaranteed. Moreover, without local control over engine technology, India’s broader ambitions for defence exports and innovation are constrained.

The push for indigenous aero engines fits squarely within the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision championed by the government. The goal is to transform India into a defence manufacturing hub, with a target of reaching $25 billion in defence exports by 2030. Aero engines—being the heart of any fighter jet or military aircraft—are a central piece of this puzzle.

Mr. Kalyani’s vision isn’t just theoretical. Bharat Forge, under his leadership, has steadily expanded into defence manufacturing. The company plays a key role in the production of artillery systems like the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and has contributed to India’s missile programs. With its Kalyani Centre for Technology and Innovation (KCTI), the firm has developed significant capability in high-performance materials such as titanium and superalloys—crucial components for modern jet engines.

But as Mr. Kalyani rightly points out, developing an advanced aero engine is not a task any one organisation can handle alone. The process requires deep knowledge in metallurgy, aerodynamics, heat-resistant materials, and digital control systems. It demands billions of dollars in investment and decades of research. No single Indian organisation currently possesses the full set of capabilities needed to compete with global aerospace giants.

To bridge this gap, Mr. Kalyani advocates the formation of a structured industry consortia. In his vision, private players like Bharat Forge, Tata Advanced Systems, and Mahindra Defence would bring capital, supply chain experience, and engineering prowess. Public sector giants like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) would provide test infrastructure and decades of technical know-how. Meanwhile, India’s top academic institutions—such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)—would push the frontiers of fundamental research in areas like propulsion, materials science, and digital simulation. Startups and SMEs would add agility, particularly in innovative areas like additive manufacturing and AI-driven design optimisation.

This approach mirrors successful global models, like the European Clean Sky initiative, where companies such as Airbus and Safran partner with universities to develop future-ready aircraft propulsion technologies. In India, it aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020, which encourages cross-sector collaboration to achieve technological independence.

Bharat Forge’s track record of working with international partners, including a joint venture with French aerospace giant Safran for landing gear components, shows that Indian firms can deliver high-quality aerospace components while gaining valuable technical insights. These partnerships have a dual benefit—strengthening local capability while preparing India to compete globally.

Mr. Kalyani's leadership also supports ongoing national projects, such as the revival and potential evolution of the Kaveri engine program in collaboration with DRDO and GTRE. His company’s deep involvement in research and advanced material processing can act as a cornerstone for future engine development.

With growing geopolitical uncertainties and an increasing focus on self-reliance, Mr. Kalyani’s call for united action couldn’t be more timely. A well-coordinated push for indigenous aero engines, powered by private innovation, public infrastructure, and academic excellence, could transform India from a major defence importer into a global hub of aerospace manufacturing and innovation.